A disease called Legionnaires’ Disease has been in the news again. Some people in different parts of the world have recently gotten sick because of it. So, let’s understand what this disease is and how we can stay safe.
What is Legionnaires Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection. It is caused by a bacteria called Legionella. These bacteria live in water. They grow in places like:
- Air conditioners
- Water tanks
- Hot tubs
- Showers
- Fountains
People get this disease when they breathe in tiny water drops that have the bacteria.
How Do People Get Sick?
You cannot get Legionnaires’ disease by touching someone who is sick. It is not spread from person to person.
People mostly get it by breathing in air from a place that has water with the Legionella bacteria. For example, if an old water tank is not cleaned well and the bacteria grows inside it, the air that comes from it can make people sick.
Who Gets Sick More Easily?
Anyone can get Legionnaires disease. But some people are at higher risk, like:
- Older people (above 50 years old)
- People who smoke
- People with weak immune systems
- People with lung diseases
What Are the Symptoms?
If someone has Legionnaires’ disease, they may feel:
- Fever
- Cough
- Trouble breathing
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Feeling tired
Sometimes, the symptoms start 2 to 10 days after the person breathes in the bacteria.
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Is It Dangerous?
Yes, it can be very dangerous if not treated. It can even cause death in some cases. But the good news is that doctors can treat it with strong medicines called antibiotics.
Most people recover if they go to the doctor early and take the right medicine.
How Can We Stay Safe?
There is no vaccine for Legionnaires’ disease yet. But we can stay safe by:
- Keeping water systems clean
- Making sure air conditioners and water tanks are checked regularly
- Avoiding hot tubs or fountains that look dirty
Hotels, hospitals, schools, and big buildings must make sure their water systems are clean and safe.
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Why Is It in the News?
Recently, some hotels and buildings reported that people got sick with Legionnaires’ disease after staying there. Health departments are now checking those places to see if the water systems were cleaned properly.
Some cities have asked building owners to check their water tanks and pipes more often.
What Should You Do?
If you or someone you know has a high fever, cough, and trouble breathing, it’s important to see a doctor — especially if you were in a hotel or near water sprays.
Early treatment can save lives.
In Short
- Legionnaires’ disease is a lung infection caused by water bacteria
- You get it by breathing mist from unclean water systems
- It is not spread from person to person
- Older people and smokers are more at risk
- It can be treated by doctors if caught early
Stay safe by keeping water clean and reporting any problems in your school or building. Clean water and clean air mean healthy people!