Legionella symptoms - how to recognize Veterans disease?
What is Veterans disease?
Legionnaires' disease is also called Legionella disease or legionellosis; it is a rare, potentially fatal form of pneumonia. Legionella bacteria are responsible for causing this infection. The same bacteria can also cause Pontiac fever. This is a milder form that does not develop into pneumonia. Pontiac fever disappears spontaneously and is often not diagnosed. Some people who are infected with legionella bacteria assume they simply have the flu.
Veterans disease symptoms: what to expect?
The symptoms caused by the disease are similar to flu. Muscle pain, rapidly developing headache, high fever, coughing and fatigue are typical signs. They usually occur between 2 and 10 days after exposure to Legionella bacteria. As the condition progresses, other symptoms may occur. These are more indicative of pneumonia, such as shortness of breath, chest pain and even confusion. If you show flu-like symptoms and think you may have been exposed to Legionella bacteria, do not wait to see whether further symptoms develop. Talk to your GP for advice.
How does Legionella infection occur and how does a person contract Veterans disease?
The legionella bacterium (Legionella pneumophila), the cause of Legionnaires' disease, is widespread in nature and is often found in natural waters, such as lakes and ponds, where it usually poses no problems for human health.
Problems can arise when using water in a built environment because in these artificial environments the water temperature can become warm enough to stimulate the growth of legionella bacteria (20°C to 45°C). Typical places where problems arise are, for example, in cooling towers, evaporative condensers, air conditioning systems, spa baths and locations where water is used for domestic purposes (taps, showers, etc.) in buildings such as offices, sports centres, residential care centres, hotels, schools and universities.
People are not infected by drinking contaminated water, but by inhaling small droplets of water (aerosols) that are contaminated with legionella bacteria. Not everyone who is exposed to legionella becomes ill. The risk increases with age. Some people, such as those suffering from diabetes, lung and heart disease, chronic respiratory and kidney disease, are more vulnerable. Legionnaires' disease does not spread from person to person.
Water safety plans, water management and disinfection methods can prevent and control legionella.
For more information about the prevention of Legionnaires' disease and legionella control in buildings and installations, contact our specialists at the following number: +32 (0)51 31 43 93 or ask your question via info@konax.com