At least seven people in New York City have died and 86 have been infected in an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease. The illness can cause high fevers and pneumonia.
But despite the current outbreak, most people in the region aren’t at any increased risk of getting Legionnaires’.
The disease is not communicable between people, and only those with weakened immune systems or other health impairments tend to fall ill. In addition, most people who do get Legionnaires’ can be treated with antibiotics.
From its source to its treatment, here are some of the most important things to know about the disease and the current outbreak.
1. What is Legionnaires’ disease?
The disease is caused by a genus of bacteria known as Legionella, which lives in watery environments. The bacteria’s natural hosts are other single-celled organisms such as amoebae. However, occasionally these bacteria may infect people, and can cause cough, high fever, pneumonia and death, said Dr. Victor Yu, a researcher at the Special Pathogens Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh.
The disease is caused by a genus of bacteria known as Legionella, which lives in watery environments. The bacteria’s natural hosts are other single-celled organisms such as amoebae. However, occasionally these bacteria may infect people, and can cause cough, high fever, pneumonia and death, said Dr. Victor Yu, a researcher at the Special Pathogens Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh.
2. Is there treatment?
Yes. Legionnaires’ disease can be treated effectively with antibiotics. Without treatment, the disease can kill up to 40 percent of the people who come down with symptoms, Yu said. But if the disease is caught and treated early, the mortality rate plummets to less than 5 percent, he added.
Yes. Legionnaires’ disease can be treated effectively with antibiotics. Without treatment, the disease can kill up to 40 percent of the people who come down with symptoms, Yu said. But if the disease is caught and treated early, the mortality rate plummets to less than 5 percent, he added.
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