The mystery behind a cluster of pneumonia cases which got 11 people sick and killed four in Argentina has been solved.
Health authorities have said that the outbreak was likely to be caused by the Legionella bacteria, which leads to Legionnaires' disease.
The cases appeared between August 18 and August 25, with patients complaining of fever, muscle and stomach pains as well as difficulty in breathing along with pneumonia symptoms, according to the World Health Organisation.
Though the outbreak has been contained to a health clinic in San Miguel de Tucumán, located 670 miles northwest of Buenos Aires, here are the symptoms of legionnaires' that you need to be aware of.
What is legionnaires' disease?
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia, which is caused by inhaling the Legionella bacteria in small droplets of water or accidentally swallowing water that contain the bacteria.
Outbreaks of legionnaires can spread easily if the bacteria gets into water supply systems, reaching people through shower heads, sink faucets, hot water tanks, heaters and other plumbing systems.
Most people recover from Legionnaires, however people who suffer from chronic lung conditions or are immunocompromised may develop fatal complications after contracting the disease.
What are symptoms of legionnaires'?
The most common symptoms of legionnaires are:
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fever that may be 104 F (40 C) or higher
- Cough, which might bring up mucus and sometimes blood
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
- Confusion or other mental changes
The symptoms of legionnaires' disease typically develops between two to 10 days after being exposed to the legionella bacteria.
It usually begins with headaches, muscle pains and fever, followed by other symptoms by the second or third day of infection.
Though the disease primarily affects the lungs, it can occasionally cause infections in wounds and other organs like the heart.
There is also a mild form of legionnaires, called Pontiac fever, which doesn't infect the lungs but causes fever, chills, headache and muscle aches.
The symptoms of Pontiac fever usually clears up in two to five days.
How does legionnaires' disease spread?
People usually get infected with legionnaires when the inhale water droplets with the bacteria in it.
Previous outbreaks have been linked to:
- Hot tubs and whirlpools
- Cooling towers in air conditioning systems
- Hot water tanks and heaters
- Decorative fountains
- Swimming pools
- Birthing pools
- Drinking water
Besides breathing the water droplets infections can be transmitted by aspirating liquids that contain the bacteria or even from working in contaminated soil.
Legionnaires' is generally spread between people, however if you believe you've been exposed to the bacteria it's best to consult a doctor immediately.
Diagnosing and treating legionnaires as soon as possible can shorten recovery period as well as prevent serious complications, especially among high risk groups like smokers, older people or those with other lung conditions.
