The New Jersey Department of Health is investigating the possibility Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Passaic and Bergen counties.
Health authorities are aware Seven confirmed cases of the disease until December 28th. There is an additional report from Suspicious case under investigation. Cases were reported between November 9 and December 21, 2022.
At the moment ” Risks of Legionnaires’ disease among any resident or recent visitor to the counties of Passaic or Bergen It is lowNew Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Bersicelli said in a statement, also recommending immediate medical attention if any of the symptoms present. Symptoms similar to those of COVID-19.
Like the disease caused by the coronavirus, Legionnaires’ disease requires a laboratory test to be diagnosed.
This is not the first time such an outbreak has occurred in New Jersey. The state health department receives approximately 250 to 350 reports of this disease each year. While across the United States, the number of cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) It has been increasing since the year 2000.
In 2018, health departments reported approx 10 thousand cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the country. However, this number may be as high as 2.7 times because there is a chance that not all cases will be diagnosed.
What is Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a A type of pneumonia or lung infection It is caused by bacteria known as legionella. people can get it from Inhalation of water droplets containing bacteria or if contaminated water accidentally enters the lungs.
Legionella thrives most in large buildings with air conditioning units that aren’t managed effectively, notes the CDC, though it can also come from hot tubs, cooling misters, decorative fountains and plumbing systems. Home air conditioning units pose no danger as they do not mist water.
The bacteria was discovered in 1976 after an outbreak of the disease among people attending an American Legion convention in Philadelphia, hence the name Legionnaires’ disease.
Who is most likely to get Legionnaires’ disease?
Although most people exposed to the bacteria do not get sick, There is a higher chance of getting sick if:
- They are over fifty years old.
- They smoke.
- have chronic lung disease.
- They have a weak immune system.
According to the Department of Health, Legionnaires’ disease can be life-threatening. However, most infected people recover after receiving it Antibiotic treatment.
What are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease?
According to the New Jersey Department of Health, Legionnaires’ disease symptoms take up to two weeks to appear They are the following:
- activity
- Chills
- Cough
- breathing difficulties
- Source
- muscle pain;
- Headache
unlike others respiratory system diseasesthe Most cases occur in the summer and early fall Although they can occur at any time of the year, the CDC notes.
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