Summary:
In
Quebec City there are 165 reported cases of Legionnaires disease according to
the provincial government. Legionnaire’s disease is a “severe form of pneumonia”.
Symptoms of the disease include headache, muscle ache, fever, coughing up mucus
and blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, confusion, mental changes, and death due to infection. Legionnaire’s
disease can only be contracted by breathing in water vapor that contains the
bacteria legionella and cannot be obtained from person to person contact. Two
people have died so far because of the disease and the Canadian Health authorities
still haven’t found where the bacteria are coming from. As of now they suspect
that it may be coming from two of the larger buildings coolant systems in the
city. The government has ordered that people who own or manage buildings in
specific areas put chlorine in the water to stop the growth of the bacteria. Symptoms
start developing two to fourteen days after exposure; most recover, however up
to 30% of people who contract Legionnaire’s disease die. There were also 10 outbreaks
of the disease in Chicago connected to the JW Marriot Chicago Hotels luxury
spa. The hotel has since closed down parts of the spa; however 3 people have
died in that outbreak.
Analysis:
My
concern is; what causes the bacteria to grow? What kind of habitat incubates
the bacteria? Legionnaire’s disease is a problem in cities where people are
exposed to the same danger without knowing it. Another issue is pin-pointing
where the bacteria are stemming from. Unless they find out exactly where it’s
coming from they can’t do anything to protect the people who are exposed.
Another problem I foresee in this matter is that the symptoms listed are common
symptoms someone could easily mistake for a common bug. If one thought that
they had a virus they may try to give it a few days to run its course. That person’s
chance of death because of Legionnaire’s disease would most definitely increases.
I think health officials need to increase awareness of the disease in areas
where they may be exposed so that no one else will die due to ignorance about
what may be going on.
09/07/12
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