The World Health Organization revealed on Saturday that 23 people with Legionnaires’ disease had died in Poland as of September 11, noting that a total of 166 cases of the disease had been reported, adding that no new cases had been reported since September 7, according to what was published by the agency «Rotters».
Legionnaires' disease bacteria under the microscope - Source: Washington Times
Below, Nogoom Masrya presents some information about the disease “Legionnaires’ disease”, which has killed 23 people in Poland, in the following lines.
What is Legionnaires’ disease?
The World Health Organization explained in its statement that Legionnaires’ disease is caused by bacteria of the same name, leading to an acute form of pneumonia, and the main cause of infection is the inhalation of bacteria through polluted air resulting from contaminated water spray, according to the official website of the World Health Organization.
Legionnaires' disease symptoms can mimic pneumonia — headaches, fever, shortness of breath, and more. 😷
If you contracted it after staying in a hotel or any establishment infested with Legionella bacteria, you have legal recourse.#AnkinLaw #LegionnairesDisease pic.twitter.com/bXmUHxZeok
— Ankin Law (@ankinlaw) September 16, 2023
While the British Mayo Clinic website reported that legionnaires’ bacteria are transmitted to humans by inhaling bacteria in water or soil, and the elderly, smokers and people with weak immunity are most susceptible to this disease.
Legionnaires’ bacteria initially cause what is known as Pontiac fever, a milder condition of pneumonia, with symptoms somewhat similar to the flu, and if the condition is not treated properly, it can become fatal and is usually treated with antibiotics.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ sickness start two to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria, and symptoms are initially mild, but worsen over time.
At the beginning of symptoms, headaches, muscle aches, high body temperature to the point of fever, and the temperature may reach 40 degrees Celsius.
Lung transplant suspected of giving recipients Legionnaires' disease – https://t.co/IOhjL8BsXD
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) September 15, 2023
With the second and third day, the new symptoms are cough, often accompanied by mucus and blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, and stomach problems, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Legionnaires’ bacteria also lead to changes in a person’s behavior, such as confusion and unexplained terror.
In all cases, the patient must go to the hospital, in case of this disease, where he needs care and proper medical handling of the case.
