- Legionella, in particular the bacterium L. pneumophila, is associated with outbreaks of severe pneumonia.
- The most common way of its transmission is the inhalation of contaminated aerosols, produced in conjunction with sprays, jets or mists of water.
- The outbreak in Argentina has caused 11 positive cases, including four deaths in patients with comorbidities.
In recent days, concern has been raised about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown origin in Argentina. Due to the facts, it was thought that the history of Covid-19 could be repeated, but in the end the facts were clarified. It was all caused by Legionella bacteria and the good news is that it does not have the potential to cause a new pandemic.
After a laboratory analysis, the Argentine Ministry of Health confirmed to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) that the Legionella bacterium was the cause of a group of pneumonia cases associated with a health clinic in the province of Tucumán in the South American country.
To date, a total of 11 cases including four deaths in patients with comorbidities.
How is it transmitted?
The legionella, particularly the bacterium L. pneumophila, is associated with outbreaks of severe pneumonia. The most common way of its transmission is the inhalation of contaminated aerosols, produced in conjunction with sprays, jets or mists of water.
The Argentine Ministry of Health reported that Legionella bacteria have been confirmed as the cause of a cluster of pneumonia cases associated with a health clinic in the province of Tucumán, Argentina.https://t.co/5SVfwLY6ra
— PAHO/WHO (@opsoms) September 4, 2022
treatment for patients
Infection can also occur through aspiration of contaminated water or ice, especially in vulnerable hospitalized patients. Treatment includes the administration of antibiotics for several weeks or months.
The Argentine Ministry of Health and provincial health authorities are working to identify the source of the infections and apply adequate control measures. They are also collecting environmental samples, conducting risk assessments, and implementing actions at the health clinic related to the outbreak.
From its headquarters in Washington DC and its country office in Argentina, PAHO is providing support to the Argentine health authorities.
In agreement with national and provincial authorities, PAHO will also send a multidisciplinary team of experts next week to support surveillance tasks, infection control in hospital care, and identification of the focus of the outbreak at the hospital infrastructure level. .
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