Last weekend, Argentina registered the fourth fatal victim of pneumonia of unknown origin, which was detected in nine people connected to the same private hospital in the Tucumán region. This Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that laboratory tests indicate the presence of the bacterium Legionella pneumophila, which causes legionellosis or Legionnaires’ disease in infected patients.
The 11 people diagnosed with the disease were in a private hospital in the municipality of San Miguel de Tucumán, in the Tucuman region, from August 18 to 25. He had fever, bilateral pneumonia, myalgia (muscle pain), abdominal pain, and shortness of breath (dyspnea or difficulty breathing).
Of the total number of patients diagnosed, eight were in Hospital Luz Medica SA, and three were patients working in the institution. Three of the four deaths belonged to healthcare workers and the other to a 70-year-old woman who was hospitalized at the scene. According to the World Health Organization, all fatal victims had some comorbidities or risk factors prior to infection.
A diagnosis of legionellosis or Legionnaires’ disease was only possible after health workers sequenced the DNA of the samples taken. WHO pointed out that the laboratory results are compatible with the disease, but that larger blood culture and seroconversion tests will continue to be performed to complement the infectious status of the patients.
According to the organization, legionellosis is a general way to refer to any pulmonary or non-pulmonary infection caused by Legionella-type bacteria. The severity of the conditions can range from moderate to severe and can sometimes lead to death. Although rare and with a mortality rate of 5% to 10%, the disease is associated with community and/or hospital transmission and can lead to “outbreaks of public health concern”.
The incubation period for legionellosis is two to 16 days after contact with the bacteria. Symptoms include fever, cough, loss of appetite, headache, weakness, lethargy, muscle pain, diarrhea, and mental confusion. The disease tends to worsen during the first week and can rapidly develop into a fatal form of pneumonia, depending on treatment and the presence of previous health risks to the patient.
The main mode of transmission of bacteria is the inhalation of aerosols with contaminated water sources, especially with air conditioners, air humidifiers and similar products of industrial origin. WHO stressed that so far there is no record of transmission from one person to another.
Argentine health officials said they were investigating the transmission of bacteria in the cluster, looking for new cases and tracking contacts of those infected, in an effort to limit the spread of the disease. Hospital activities, where patients contracted the bacteria, were also suspended.
source: Noticias
