Legionnaires Warning

Government health experts have revealed this week that motorists risk catching legionnaires disease from stagnant water in their windscreen washer bottles. As many as twenty percent of cases of the disease in the UK have been linked to the water that drivers use to clean their car windows, and professional drivers are more at risk, being five times more likely to become infected with the bug. The bacteria thrive in warm, stagnant water and can cause a potentially fatal lung infection, in worst cases. All drivers are now being urged to add screen wash to the water stored in their vehicles, as this has an antibacterial property and will prevent the possible build up of the bug.

Traces of the legionella bacteria, which can cause legionnaires disease, were found on one in five cars that did not have screen wash. In vehicles of rivers who used screen wash, there were no traces of the bug found to be present. People most at risk are those driving vans, those who work in industrial areas or people who often drive with their car window down.

The study authors said: 'Not adding screen wash to windscreen wiper fluid is a previously unidentified risk factor and appears to be strongly associated with community acquired sporadic cases of legionnaires' disease. We estimated that around 20 per cent of such cases could be attributed to this exposure.

Legionnaire's disease is a rare illness, but is particularly nasty and can kill. It is normally carried by water droplets that are pumped out of air conditioning systems, but this is a rare and new finding for UK Car Insurance customers.

Laura Hartson is an independent writer who travels the globe to bring you up to date information on current issues and up and coming destinations.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Hartson

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Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Legionnaires' Disease - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by a bacterium known as legionella. Common symptoms include high fever, chills, body pain, cough, hemoptysis, breathlessness, chest pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion and other mental illnesses. This disease may rarely cause infections in wounds and in other parts of the body including the heart. Old age; a history of smoking; the presence of chronic disorders like lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease or cancer; a weakened immune system; and having a job related to air conditioning systems-maintenance, are risk factors for this condition.

The Ayurvedic treatment of Legionnaires' disease is aimed at treating the basic infection and preventing complications like respiratory failure, kidney failure and septic shock. Medicines like Shwas-Kuthar-Ras, Tribhuvan-Kirti-Ras, Maha-Sudarshan-Churna, Sitopaladi-Churna, Talisadi-Churna, Ras-Sindur, Malla-Sindur, Sameer-Pannag-Ras, Abhrak-Bhasma, Shrung-Bhasma, Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa), Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), Kushtha (Saussurea lappa), Kulingan (Alpimia galangal), Som (Ephedra vulgaris), Karkatashrungi (Pistichia integerima), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra) and Vasa (Adhatoda vasaka) are used to treat fever and lung infection.

Medicines like Vasa, Naagkeshar (Messua ferrea), Laxa (Purified wax) and Sphatik-Bhasma are used to prevent hemoptysis. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can be treated using medicines like Laghu-Sutshekhar, Praval-Panchamrut, Sutshekhar-Ras, Shankh-Vati, Kutaj-Ghan-Vati and Panchamrut-Parpati. Confusion and mental changes can be prevented using medicines like Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Bruhat-Vat-Chintamani. Respiratory failure and septic shock can be treated using medicines like Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Shrung-Bhasma, Maha-Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Abhrak-Bhasma, Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) and Makardhwaj-Ras. Kidney failure can be treated using medicines like Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Gokshuradi-Guggulu, Saarivadi-Churna, Gomutra-Haritaki and Chandraprabha-Vati. 

Legionnaires' disease may be fatal, especially in the presence of a weakened immune system. Prompt and aggressive hospital treatment is therefore very important in the management of this condition. Ayurvedic medicines may be given as additional therapy to improve the therapeutic response and prevent complications. It is equally important to prevent outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease by meticulous cleaning and disinfection of water systems, pools and spas.

Dr. A. A. Mundewadi is Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic based at Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com The online clinic offers Ayurvedic treatment for all chronic and refractory health problems. Dr. A. A. Mundewadi uses high quality herbal extracts in tablet form, which are easy to take, effective and safe for long-term use. Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, B.A.M.S., has clinical experience of 24 years and clinical research experience of 10 years. He has conducted extensive research in HIV infection, Schizophrenia and many other chronic diseases.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Legionnaires-Disease---Ayurvedic-Herbal-Treatment&id=2088623] Legionnaires' Disease - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Legionella Risk Assessment

The Legionnaires disease is a potentially deadly form of pneumonia which can affect anybody, but which principally affects those who are susceptible because of age, illness, smoking and more. It was named like that after a severe outbreak of pneumonia that hit a meeting of the American Legion in the seventies.

It is caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila and related bacteria that can be found naturally in environmental water sources such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs, usually in low numbers. As they are commonly found in environmental sources they may also be found in purpose built water systems such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers and whirlpool spas. As a matter of fact, many other species of the organism and mild illnesses other than pneumonia may be caused by those organisms. Thirty four other species have actually been identified. 

If conditions are favourable the bacteria may grow creating conditions in which the risk from Legionnaires‘disease is increased. 

The symptoms of that disease are actually very similar to those of the flu. People usually become infected by the bacteria when they breathe in the legionella bacteria which have been released into the air in aerosolised form from a contaminated source. Once in the lungs the bacteria multiply and can cause either pneumonia or a less serious flu like illness. 

This organism lives in the water. It can only cause disease when water droplets containing the bacterium enter the atmosphere as fine particles or in an aerosol that enables them to be inhaled deep into the lungs as said before. Cooling towers are often a source of infection, as they produce a very fine aerosol. So too have air conditioning systems, especially if poorly maintained. The disease is not actually spread from person-to-person, and fifty percent of the outbreaks have been linked to whirlpool spas or hot tubs.

Like for asbestos with asbestos surveys, legionella risk assessment needs to be done if necessary to make sure everything is fine. Control and prevention of this disease in the work environment and elsewhere can be done through a treatment of the source of the infection by simply treating the contaminated water system.

Awareness of Legionella and the potentially lethal effects of the Legionnaires\' disease have grown rapidly in recent years, as did the request to get legionella training or legionella risk assessment. With several major outbreaks and high profile prosecutions under the Health & Safety at Work Act it is now more important than ever that organisations and individuals understand their legal duties and the serious consequences of a failure to comply with the law.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/legionella-risk-assessment-523164.html

Author: Paul

About the Author

Paul, is the director of the Phlorum. An environmental agency specialised in Japanese Knotweed Removal and Japanese Knotweed Eradication in the UK. A great way for Japanese Knotweed Control.

Importance of Legionella Risk Assessment

Legionella is a type of bacteria associated with a serious health disorder called Legionnaires' disease. The bacterium is commonly present in water. It is most active when the temperature of the water is between 20 and 45-degree Celsius and there is sufficient nutrient to support growth and multiplication. 

Legionella risk assessment is a prerequisite for reducing the threat of Legionnaires' disease following use of water in homes and workplaces. You may contract the fatal bacterial infection by inhaling steam or droplets of water containing legionella bacteria in aquatic facilities, hot water baths, hydrotherapy systems, hot and cold water systems, wet air-conditioning units and atomizers.

Dangers of legionella infection

Legionella bacterium causes pneumonia-like illnesses called legionellosis. Lochgoilhead and Pontiac fevers are less serious forms of legionellosis. Severe legionella infection causes Legionnaires' disease. It can affect any person following inhalation of the legionella bacteria. Although most cases of legionella infection respond to antibiotics, in some cases the bacterial infection can be fatal. Elderly people, people suffering from chronic respiratory illness or kidney ailments, smokers, heavy drinkers and people with impaired immune system have a higher risk of developing Legionnaires' disease. 

Identifying Sources of Legionella 

A thorough understanding of the water system and identifying the potential sources of risks of legionella contamination are the initial steps in assessing the legionella risk in a water system. The risk of the bacterial contamination is higher in systems where water is re-circulated or stored. The water temperature is between 20 and 40 degree Celsius in the entire water system or in some of its parts. Sludge, rust and organic matter accumulating in the water tanks, tubs and pipes provide nourishment to the legionella bacteria facilitating their growth. Water systems where water droplets are produced such as in aerosols integrated in cooling towers and showers are possible sources of legionella bacteria infection.

How to Assess Legionella Risk

The risk of Legionella outbreaks can be significantly reduced by identifying the possible sources of the bacteria, analyzing the water sample and applying appropriate strategies for controlling legionella growth. In UK, testing of water samples for identifying legionella risks can be undertaken only by UKAS-accredited laboratories. It is always advisable to assign the task of risk assessment and monitoring the water system to a professional water management agency that has the necessary expertise to undertake the task. Legionella bacteria can be eliminated from the water system only when it is periodically reviewed by a competent organization.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/importance-of-legionella-risk-assessment-6372806.html

Author: Brian Smith

About the Author

Do you need any water treatment? A fantastic legionella risk assessment company based in the UK provides services in legionella testing, water hygiene, traditional water treatment methods and consultancy. For more information visit our website www.legionellariskassessment.co.

Legionella Testing Kit - Don't Let Water Borne Diseases Bother You

Drinking water test kit is the word of the present times in the field of water treatment. Many businesses and municipalities are frankly agreeing on the prospects of testing kits for their water supplies in order to curb the casualties arising from impure water. The infamous incidents of fatalities resulting from water contamination are not a wonder for the present generation. The arrival of newer water purification and filtration devices and solutions has alleviated the risks of consuming contaminated water to some extent. However, the presence of certain bacteria and microorganisms can be barely minimized with the filtration devices and thus pose substantial thereat to mankind. A number of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, legionellosis, leptospirosis etc. can turn any happy family into a slithering amassment of afflictions just for the absence of proper drinking water.

Many individuals have fallen prey to the adversities of impure drinking water. According to the official United Nations estimates, there have been approximately 5 million deaths due to impure water. Since water is the most required amenity for humans, considerable attention needs to be paid to the testing of water quality. The drinking water test kit is facilitated by various authentic and sophisticated labs around the world. These water testing kits can analyze and demarcate almost all known pollutants present in water such as heavy metals, pesticides and chemicals.

Drinking water test kits prove extremely assisting in the diagnosis of hazardous pathogens such as virus and bacteria in drinking water. Though these kits are capable only for identifying the pathogen, they do not lose out their importance in the process of water supply. Business organizations and domestic households shall employ water testing kits to overcome the dangerous after effects of polluted water. Rural areas rely on wells and ponds to secure drinking water. The individuals in rural areas assume that the water from these sources is completely devoid of any contamination and are completely safe from the infection of distinct lethal variants of bacteria and virus.

Legionella testing kit is presently one of the widely favored water testing accessories. The prime reason behind this is the grave nature of Legionella bacterium which can cause diseases such as Pontiac fever and legionellosis. The legionella bacterium is found both in water as well as air. The prominent characteristic of the legionella genus is that they can survive at sparse levels of dissolved oxygen in water. 

The legionella testing kit can aid in feasible monitoring of drinking water. The necessity of clean drinking water free from all sorts of pathogens, parasites and foreign impurities is the chief concern of the present scenario. Legionella bacterium poses definite threats to human life with the probabilities of fatal afflictions such as legionnaire's disease. The adaptability of the legionella genus to chlorine treatment and ability to sustain growth even at minimal proportions of dissolved oxygen in water necessitates the prospects of monitoring the presence of this bacterium in water containers and supplies. Many renowned labs facilitate water testing kits for checking the presence of legionella and other perilous contaminants such as pesticides, metals and chemicals.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/technology-articles/legionella-testing-kit-dont-let-water-borne-diseases-bother-you-6943018.html

Author: Richard Scott

About the Author

Richard Scott stresses the use of a drinking water test kit regularly to find out its microbiological and chemical constitution. He recommends the name of WaterTestingSupplies.co.uk for the purchase of a wide range of water testing kits. Order a UKAS accredited legionella testing kit from this website at a reduced price!

Purifying Water From the Legionnaire's Disease Germ

Rust, various organisms, muck, lime and other substances in water systems in cooling towers and hot water systems in hospitals supply nourishment to bacteria, fungus and algae. The Legion-Ella germ lives in the bacteria in the water systems and gets nourishment from lime and muck.

Magnetic treatment of the water changes the shape and size of the lime crystals. This treatment decreases friction in the water and helps clear the pipes of existing lime and muck.

The AQUA SOFT NATURAL system, producer of magnetized water, reduces and even destroys the food chain the bacteria depend on, by changing the environment of the bacteria thus reducing the bacteria problem.

A reminder of the theory based on starving the bacteria developed by Prof. Klaus Kronnenberg of the California Polytechnic. The theory claims "Bacteria and Algae need to receive their nourishment via cell membranes, they receive plenty of water from the membranes but do not receive mineral crystals which cannot pass through the membranes and thus they starve to death. In other words magnetized water alters the structure of the nourishment and deprives the bacteria of it.

The magnetic treatment of liquids offers a more efficient and long term means of dealing with these problems instead of using biological substances. The bacteria develop immunity to these substances thus requiring a constant upgrade of these biological substances in order to prevent the multiplication of the bacteria.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/purifying-water-from-the-legionnaires-disease-germ-193759.html

Author: Mayer Fitoussi

Staying Safe From Legionnaire's

Legionnaire\'s Disease is a dangerous illness for you to contract. Water-borne, it is a bacterium known as legionella can causes all the trouble. It can be found in both hard and soft water, making the use of both susceptible to trouble. As the owner of a business, it is your job to do everything in your power to ensure that the water supply to your employees is free of this risk. If you choose not to, you leave yourself open to litigation should someone contract the illness from your establishment. 

The legionella virus causes a range of illnesses, the lesser of which are known as legionellosis. In this set you can get Pontiac fever as well as lockgoilhead fever. There are over 42 species of the bacteria that are known to cause this illness. You can contract the infection by breathing in minute drops of water that have the bacteria in it. This is not an illness that passes from one person to another. 

Almost everyone, irrespective of age is susceptible to this illness. More so if they are over 45 years of age, and have vices like smoking or indulge overly in alcohol. Those who have chronic respiratory problems as well as kidney diseases have immune systems that are compromised and therefore need to be kept safe. 

As a business establishment it is your job to have a legionella risk assessment done at your premises. There are qualified individuals who will do this job for you. You can easily identify them based on recommendations from businesses around you or if you consult with the local water authorities. Legally, you are bound to get all water sources identified and assessed as a source of risk. You will also need to prepare a scheme or rather a course of action that will help prevent the spread of legionella or control its spread. You will also need to plan and implement a program and even appoint and individual who will be responsible for this. 

Make sure that you maintain all records of the inspection and details of the steps taken thereafter. Should you have a cooling tower on the premises then you will have to inform local authorities about this. A surveyor will come to your premises and examine all sources of water. Samples will be collected and tested. Should you have a problem a course of action will be prescribed. 

It would be best if you have an assessment done every year. This is essential to ensure that the bacteria has not found its way into your water system after the previous inspection.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/staying-safe-from-legionnaires-5939637.html

Author: Adam Reed

About the Author

Welcome to great legionella risk assessment company. Managed Water Services Ltd was established in November 2005. we have a total of 50 years experience in the water treatment, water hygiene and Legionella control markets. For more informatiojn visit our website www.legionellariskassessment.co.

Water Tank Cleaning & Legionnaire's Disease

Cold water storage tanks can provide the ideal breeding ground for a host of bacteria including Legionella (the bacteria responsible for Legionnaire's Disease). Typically, water tanks are positioned either above the boiler house or in the loft, which tend to be two of the warmest places in a building this can lead to the water within the tank heating up considerably. In addition, a build up of scale, rust and other contaminants provide nutrients for bacteria which, when added to the above and an over storage of water can create almost incubator type conditions for bacteria to multiply.

With regard to Legionella, although tanks do not create an aerosol themselves they do of course supply services that do, such as showers. It is therefore essential that cold water tanks are kept fresh and free from contaminants to prevent the build of bacteria and biofilm. Biofilm is a layer of bacteria / micro-organisms embedded in a protective layer attached to a surface. This can occur in cold water tanks (e.g. slime along the water line) but also along the inside of pipework. Once bacteria are contained within a biofilm / attached to a surface they change their fundamental characteristics and can become much more difficult to eradicate than free floating bacteria.

For the above reasons it is therefore essential that tanks are inspected regularly and kept clean. When a tank does require cleaning, this should be completed both chemically and physically as a good bit of elbow grease can be the only way to penetrate and get rid of biofilm ( though slightly more tricky if lining the inside of old corroded pipework!).

Water system cleaning and disinfection is covered by British Standard 6700 which details approved methods. A large number of water treatment chemicals are available but the gold standard is the use of chlorine. BS6700 recommends a free chlorine concentration of 50 ppm for a contact time of one hour. After the hour, a minimum of 30 ppm should be left to indicate successful disinfection, if the levels are below this then the process must be repeated.

Nemco Utilities have over 10 years experience in water system cleaning and disinfection having completed everything from small domestic water tanks to food factories and large scale water towers requiring specialist rope access.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/small-business-articles/water-tank-cleaning-legionnaires-disease-4064077.html

Author: Charles

About the Author

Charles has been working with the various facts of Legionella Risk Assessment for a quite lot of time and has a wide expertize on the same. He shares his insights with the readers through his scholarly articles on Risk Assessment. For more information regarding TMVs or Legionella Management in general please call us on 01284 724 503 or visit our websitewww.nemco-utilities.co.uk

Infected Dental Equipment Causes Legionnaire's Death

News Sources like Medical News Today are reporting the case of an eighty two year old woman in Italy who recently died as a result of some unsafe equipment at her dental office. The woman became infected with L pneumophilia after visiting her dentist due to some equipment that was unsterile. The infection led to Legionnaire's disease, causing her death. Because of the incident experts across Italy are calling for the reform of dental practices across Italy. Experts hope the reform will implement new control measures for dental surgery in hopes of preventing similar incidents.

The woman was conscious and responsive when she was brought to the hospital, but was suffering from a fever and respiratory distress. It seemed she had no underlying illnesses at the time. Doctors quickly performed a chest radiography which showed that she had multiple lung consolidation areas. They did a urine test and immediately discovered she was infected with Legionnaire's disease, at which time the doctors immediately started her on a set of antibiotics. Unfortunately however the disease led her to a rapid and irreversible septic shock and passed away two days later. The woman's death shocked officials and led them to investigate the cause of the L pneumophilia infection, finding that the infection had come from her dentist's tainted surgical materials.

Officials were first led to believe the dentist might be at cause when, after investigating, they had discovered that she had left her home only twice in the last two to ten day period, for dental appointments. The officials tested the woman's water at home as well as the water at her dentist's office. The water at her home was found to be negative for the L pneumophilia bacteria but the water at the dentist's office had been positive, meaning that he had washed surgical equipment in the tainted water when sterilizing and then used that equipment to perform oral surgery. Further laboratory testing confirmed that the L pneumophilia found in the dentist's office was a genetic match for the L pneumophilia that had infected the woman.

The bacteria are known for affected those with compromised immunities and the elderly in particular. The bacteria can affect people after inhalation or microaspiration of aerosolized water. It is typically found in man-made water systems and is found in all natural water environments. Typically infections are spread at spas, fountains, and air-conditioning systems.

Luckily researchers found that there had been no other cases where Legionnaire's had been linked to an infection through a dental office. According to researchers it seems that some methods of cleaning dental surgical tools can breed the bacteria that cause this disease, but most dental practices do not utilize these methods of sterilization. The researchers also note that annual water line monitoring can safely prevent L pneumophilia infections.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/infected-dental-equipment-causes-legionnaires-death-5676226.html

Author: Jessica Harmon

About the Author

Jessica Harmon is a staff writer for Dr. James A. Wells of South Charlotte Dentistry. If you would like more information on how we can help you with your oral health please visit our website!

Legionnaires' Disease – Simple Precautions for your Holiday

With the weather hotting up, everyone\'s getting excited for summer. It\'s bikini season, time to jump in the pool, Jacuzzi or steam room, time to go on holiday. And while it\'s easy to remember to pack sunscreen to protect your skin or mosquito repellent to keep the bugs at bay, it\'s less likely you\'ll take measures to avoid a more insidious danger: Legionnaires\' Disease.

Nobody likes to hear scary stories while they\'re getting ready to hit the beach, but Legionnaires\' Disease is a very real concern. Anybody can catch it, though the elderly, youngsters and those who may be ill already can be most at risk. And getting sick is a sure-fire way to spoil a holiday. I must make it clear at this point that I\'m involved with the water hygiene industry through my company; we sell legionella control software to businesses. But what about members of the general public? We have been genuinely shocked about how little people know about the disease and how it is contracted. How can we avoid getting Legionnaires\' Disease on holiday, where health and safety practises may not be what they are in the UK?

Legionnaires\' Disease, or legionella, is a type of pneumonia which is potentially fatal. It is a non-contagious disease; it is contracted by breathing in contaminated water droplets. These water droplets could come from a variety of places. These can include hot tubs, swimming pools or spas, but a large percentage of cases come from showers. Legionella bacteria prefer stagnant water and ambient temperatures. They can survive in low temperatures, though their rate of growth and multiplication will be reduced, but 20 ˚C to 45˚C is ideal for them; they thrive in this temperature range. And the ideal temperature for a hot tub? 30˚C to 40 ˚C.

It\'s reasonable to assume that on a holiday you\'d be more likely to use facilities like these than you would at home, which automatically raises your chances of contracting legionella. What about if you avoid spa days and hot tubs though, and just lay on the beach?

Unfortunately one of the most common ways of contracting legionella is through having a shower. Legionella is more likely to occur in water features that haven\'t been used for some time and where, as a consequence, the water has been lying stagnant. In the UK it is recommended that water should not lie stagnant for more than 7 days. It\'s very possible that the room you are in has been empty for longer than that. And on top of that, if you are lucky enough to be visiting a hot country, the water may well be sitting in the20˚C to 45˚C temperature range. You can contract legionella from showers, taps, spas, hot tubs, pools and fountains. In fact, anything on a water system could be contaminated. In the UK and much of the rest of the world there are strict guidelines for the prevention of legionella and other water-borne diseases, but it is never safe to assume that it will be fine based on the country you are in or the price of the hotel. There have been cases of legionella outbreaks in some of the most expensive places to stay in the world.

So what can you do? Nobody wants you to miss out on holidays, to curl into a ball and only use your own bathroom. Now you are aware of the risks, there are ways you can stay safe. Dennis Kelly of Pro Lp Consulting Ltd, a legionella consultant, gives the following advice: ‘When I get to a hotel room, I use a plastic bag, put it over the shower head to collect the water and then turn the shower on. Do this for a minute or two and then pour the water from the bag down the shower drain. This will significantly reduce the risk of exposure to legionella from the shower. The same can be done for taps- particularly if they are spray type taps. Avoid using pools and hot tubs if they don\'t look clean.

‘And when you return from holiday be sure to give your own bathroom the same treatment. After all, it won\'t have been used in a week or possibly even longer.\'

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/legionnaires-disease-simple-precautions-for-your-holiday-5966313.html

Author: jemma beedie

What Happened in Vegas? Legionnaires' Disease

Anyone who vacations in Las Vegas knows something about taking chances. One of the biggest appeals of visiting Vegas is the potential for anything to happen. But, while everyone hopes lady luck smiles on them, realistically the most you\'ll probably return home with is a lighter bank account and a need for sleep. Odds are good, however, that no one expects their vacation souvenir to be a potentially deadly respiratory illness. Yet, recently the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada was linked to six cases of Legionnaires\' disease among guests visiting the resort.

Legionnaires\' disease is a severe type of pneumonia caused by the bacterium legionella. What sets this infectious disease apart is that rather than being spread via person-to-person contact, Legionnaires\' disease is spread through legionella-contaminated water vapor or mist. A person who breathes in this mist or vapor is at risk at developing the disease, or the lesser flu-like illness Pontiac Fever. Legionnaires\' was first identified in 1976 after a mysterious illness struck a group of American Legion members attending a conference at the Bellevue Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Over 200 people were treated for the illness, and 34 deaths were reported. Later that year, the disease and its cause were identified, as well as the realization that it was to blame for many previously misdiagnosed illnesses and deaths. Additionally, for those at the American Legion convention, the method of contamination was identified -- the hotel\'s air conditioning system.

Legionnaires\' disease outbreaks often occur in large, public structures such as hotels and hospitals where intricate water and air conditioning systems are used, as well as in mist-producing areas such as public hot tubs, pools or showers. While it\'s not impossible for this illness to appear in individual homes, it possible that a large buildings\' more complex cooling and water-storage system creates a more favorable breeding ground for the bacteria. The bacteria and its resultant diseases are preventable through the use of proper methods for cleaning and disinfecting water systems and areas, yet sadly, outbreaks are still occurring.

Similarly, the recent outbreak at the Aria Resort has been blamed on elevated levels of legionella in the hotel\'s water system that went undetected until the reported illnesses. Guests who stayed during a two-week period in June and July were notified of the potential for infection, and the building\'s water was treated to remove the bacteria. Luckily, no fatalities occurred. Sadly, this is not always the case as proven during similar outbreaks at other public establishments. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that Legionnaires\' results in death anywhere from 530of the time. Fatalities most commonly occur among the elderly or among those whose health is already compromised. As a result, when outbreaks do originate in hospitals, fatality rates significantly increase. Employees of infected sites also face a greater risk of illness due to repeated exposure, particularly maintenance crews who maintain water and air-conditioning equipment.

The CDC reports that every year 8,000-18,000 people in the United States are hospitalized as a result of the illness. Sadly, however, Legionnaires\' disease is often undiagnosed, misdiagnosed or unreported, which can extend the length and severity of an outbreak. If you have been affected by this disease, contact your public health department immediately. Additionally, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages and/or injuries. Employees infected by Legionnaires\' disease while on the job also may be eligible for workers\' compensation. Contact an Illinois personal injury lawyer who can advise you of your rights.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/what-happened-in-vegas-legionnaires-disease-5170763.html

Author: Brooke Haley

About the Author

Brooke Haley marketing associate at Millon & Peskin, Chicago workers compensation lawyer that practice in the areas of Civil Litigation, Workers\' Compensation, and Personal Injury. Millon & Peskin is a General Civil Litigation Practice with the goal of representing the interests of injured workers, throughout all applicable Courts within the State of Illinois. For more information, please visit http://www.millonpeskin.com

What is Legionnaires Disease?

Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia that is due to a bacterium known as Legionella, which was first discovered in 1976. The disease was first reported after an outbreak at an American Legion convention. Patients who present with symptoms of pneumonia are often tested to determine if the illness is in fact Legionnaires'.

Every year in the United States the CDC reports anywhere from 8,000 to 18,000 cases of people being hospitalized with Legionnaires' disease. That being said, there are also a high number of cases that are not properly diagnosed or reported, so these figures are actually much higher.

This disease is considered to be a notifiable disease in which health districts can pinpoint outbreaks by means of the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS).

Legionnaires' disease can be deadly. A study of cases that have been reported to the CDC found that there is roughly a forty percent death rate for cases that are acquired in the hospital, and a twenty percent death rate for cases that are acquired somewhere in the community. There have been outbreaks that have as high as a fifty percent death rate.

As previously mentioned, Legionnaires' disease is a serious type of pneumonia. Symptoms of the disease usually start within two to fourteen days after being exposed to the Legionella bacteria. Symptoms can include: headaches, nausea, fever, vomiting, fatigue, chills, diarrhea, chest pain, confusion, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, muscle aches, and a cough that may produce blood or mucus.

When it is suspected that a patient has pneumonia, tests are often conducted to determine whether or not it was caused by the Legionella bacteria. This bacterium cannot be spread from one person to another. It is spread mostly by water, but can also grow in any damp, warm setting. People can contract Legionnaires' disease in the following ways:

Aspiration: This happens when water or other types of liquids that have been contaminated with the bacteria enters the lungs. Cases that are acquired in the hospital are sometimes related to aspiration because of using equipment that has been contaminated.

Inhalation: A number of cases of Legionnaires' disease are due to breathing in mist that contains Legionella. This has been linked to swimming pools, whirlpools, showers, fountains, faucets, and cooling units found in air conditioning.

Soil: There have been a few cases of people becoming ill with Legionnaires' disease after working with contaminated soil while gardening or by stirring up earth on construction sites.

Outbreaks of this disease are classified when two or more people fall ill after being in the same place at roughly the same time. Outbreaks have been linked to hospitals, hotels, nursing homes, and cruise lines.

Complications can arise after contracting the disease. Legionnaires' affects mainly the lungs, but can also impact other organs such as the kidneys and heart. Other complications can include:

Respiratory Failure: This is the main cause of death in patients who contract Legionnaires'. This typically happens when they are changes in the mechanical makeup of the lungs, or the arteries have experienced a loss of oxygen.

Endocarditis: This is an infection of the inner lining, also known as the endocardium, of the heart. This happens when the Legionella bacteria spread throughout the bloodstream. When the infection takes place, the heart valves can become damaged.

Pericarditis: This is an irritation and swelling of the membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. 

Acute Kidney Failure: This is when your kidneys suddenly lose the ability to rid the blood of excess waste and fluid. When this occurs, the body stores waste and fluid, which can be deadly.

Septic Shock: Legionella bacteria can cause blood pressure to drop suddenly, which can reduce the flow of blood to important organs such as the kidneys and the heart. This can be fatal as it can lead to multiple organ failure.

If an outbreak is suspected when two or more people are diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease after staying at the same hotel, or the same cruise ship, testing is done to verify the source of the outbreak.

In order to determine the source of the bacteria, a visual inspection is conducted. Health officials will visually examine key areas of the hotel, cruise ships, office building, etc. These areas typically include air conditioning systems, hot water tanks, storage tanks, swimming pools, whirlpools, spas, ornamental fountains, and all potable water systems.

If it is found that the hotel or other inhabitable area needs to be tested for Legionella bacteria, samples are typically obtained from air conditioning systems, spa and pool filters, water tanks, hot water heaters, showers, sings, and anywhere else people may have come into contact with the disease.

The test to determine if Legionnaires' disease is present looks for the bacteria itself, and the precise species of the bacteria. More testing can be done to determine the species more precise serotype. For example, the species Legionella pneumophila has fifteen different serogroups. Even more in depth testing can be done to find the serogroup's specific molecular subtype. If the culture method is what people that fell ill were diagnosed with, testing can be done to find out if the Legionella that caused their illness has the same molecular subtype as the bacteria located in the hotel or other area in question. The results of these tests can be used as valuable evidence in the event that a lawsuit is filed against the establishment.

Cases of Legionnaires' disease can also be linked to one another and a particular area by completing an epidemiological investigation. This is especially true if all of the people that have become ill stayed in the same location, at approximately the same time, and all came down with the same symptoms within a fourteen day period. Epidemiological findings can be used as evidence for a lawsuit as well.

If you or someone you know has become ill with Legionnaires' disease, you should contact a personal injury attorney promptly. He or she can review your case, and help you pursue a claim against the parties responsible for your illness.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-and-safety-articles/what-is-legionnaires-disease-6080973.html

Author: Christopher Price

About the Author

If someone in your family is in need of a civil litigation law firm then speak with a superlative team of legal professionals at Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock & Dodig LLP. For more information on personal injury lawyers visit http://www.feldmanshepherd.com