Post by DR. QUIST on Mar 13, 2010 12:50:11 GMT -5
Thanks to Grant Foxon for this one...
DOOMWATCH
LEGIONNAIRES DIESEASE- THE THREATENING TRUTH
It was reported earlier this month that three fatal cases of Legionnaires disease had been reported in Scotland. The cause was believed to be the water droplets found in compost contained the Legionnella bacterium.
What is Legionnaires diseases?
Legionnaires Disease is a potentially fatal lung infection a form of pneumonia and is caused by the bacterium known as Legionella. The condition is named thusly because of how it was discovered. It was first identified following a mass outbreak at a hotel hosting a convention for the American Legion.
How deadly is the Legionella bacterium?
The bacterium is found in limited numbers at certain natural water supplies lakes, rivers etc. However when they get into artificial water supplies the bacterium can grow at an exponential rate and lead to fatalities. Certain artificial water supplies include air conditioning, cooling towers, hot and cold water systems, water fountains even radiators.
How is the bacterium contracted?
Legionnaires disease is contracted when small water droplets breathed into the body. The condition is not contagious however from person to person. There are strict rules governing water temperature to help stop the Legionnella bacterium from infecting water supplies. Large buildings are particularly vulnerable to the condition.
How common is this condition?
In 2006 551reported cases were recorded in England and Wales. The actual number though is suspected to be much higher. A rough estimate states that 10 % of those people who contract the condition will die usually caused through complications. In Paris in September 2006 12 cases were recorded and two fatalities. A outbreak in New York was believed to have been caused via recycled water whilst in Iran an outbreak at first suspected to be Sars was discovered to be Legionnaires disease and the two people who contracted it were cleaning out a water tank.
The condition is natural to water. In normal lakes and rivers it survives in a diminutive form. However is thrives in artificial water supplies. It even sometimes slips through the net of clean recycled water. If the major supplies of water in the UK were contaminated could we cope?
DOOMWATCH
LEGIONNAIRES DIESEASE- THE THREATENING TRUTH
It was reported earlier this month that three fatal cases of Legionnaires disease had been reported in Scotland. The cause was believed to be the water droplets found in compost contained the Legionnella bacterium.
What is Legionnaires diseases?
Legionnaires Disease is a potentially fatal lung infection a form of pneumonia and is caused by the bacterium known as Legionella. The condition is named thusly because of how it was discovered. It was first identified following a mass outbreak at a hotel hosting a convention for the American Legion.
How deadly is the Legionella bacterium?
The bacterium is found in limited numbers at certain natural water supplies lakes, rivers etc. However when they get into artificial water supplies the bacterium can grow at an exponential rate and lead to fatalities. Certain artificial water supplies include air conditioning, cooling towers, hot and cold water systems, water fountains even radiators.
How is the bacterium contracted?
Legionnaires disease is contracted when small water droplets breathed into the body. The condition is not contagious however from person to person. There are strict rules governing water temperature to help stop the Legionnella bacterium from infecting water supplies. Large buildings are particularly vulnerable to the condition.
How common is this condition?
In 2006 551reported cases were recorded in England and Wales. The actual number though is suspected to be much higher. A rough estimate states that 10 % of those people who contract the condition will die usually caused through complications. In Paris in September 2006 12 cases were recorded and two fatalities. A outbreak in New York was believed to have been caused via recycled water whilst in Iran an outbreak at first suspected to be Sars was discovered to be Legionnaires disease and the two people who contracted it were cleaning out a water tank.
The condition is natural to water. In normal lakes and rivers it survives in a diminutive form. However is thrives in artificial water supplies. It even sometimes slips through the net of clean recycled water. If the major supplies of water in the UK were contaminated could we cope?