Authorities and health officials are working to stop the spread of the disease.
Italy has issued a travel warning for tourists and holidaymakers over an outbreak of a deadly disease that has claimed four lives. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), dozens of people have been hospitalised in Corsico and Buccinasco in the Lombardy region due to the spread of Legionnaires’ disease.
Many hospitalized
Health officials say 53 infections and four deaths have been confirmed so far, and that authorities are working to stop the spread of the disease, which is spread through air conditioning. Authorities have warned that people in the area could be at risk, especially since the source is still unknown.
According to the ECDC, the ages of those infected range from 26 to 94 years old, and the four deceased were over 70 years old and had other health complications. Currently, at least 12 patients are hospitalized and 37 of those who were admitted have already been discharged.
Authorities begin investigation to find the origin of the infection
Authorities have begun conducting a thorough investigation to identify the source of the outbreak, with the ECDC stating: “Epidemiological, microbiological and environmental investigations are ongoing. Water samples have been collected from several sampling points in the municipal water supply system, both from the water systems of private residences of patients/control cases and from cooling towers.”
“Respiratory specimens are being collected from patients and Legionella isolates are being typed to help determine the source of the outbreak. Public health activities continue to be implemented to prevent transmission and the emergence of new cases, including chemical disinfection with chlorine of the municipal water supply system and private residences.”
What is Legionnaires’ disease?
According to experts, Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia or lung infection that can be contracted by inhaling Legionella Bacteria. It can affect the lungs, brain and intestines and causes Pontiac fever, a less serious illness with flu-like symptoms. Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal.
Doctors say Legionnaires’ disease is usually caused by water vapor laden with Legionella bacteria, mainly through air conditioners, and significantly threatens people over 50 or those with compromised immune systems.
According to experts, there are more than 60 species of Legionella bacteria that infect the lungs. Legionella It is found naturally in lakes, streams, and soil, but it can also contaminate drinking water and air systems, especially in large buildings. You can breathe tiny droplets of water directly into your lungs, or water from your mouth can get into your lungs accidentally, for example, if it goes down the wrong pipe.
Signs and symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease
Some signs and symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, which has pneumonia-like symptoms that begin two to fourteen days after exposure to Legionella, include:
- High fever
- Constant cough
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Muscle pain
- Severe headache
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Coughing up blood
- Severe abdominal pain
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