Legionella, or legionnaires’ disease, is a serious respiratory infection caused by the legionella pneumophila bacteria, which lives and develops in warm, humid environments, such as untreated air conditioning filters or showers that have not been used for a long time. Example. Therefore, this bacteria needs water to contract and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
When the bacteria infects the body, symptoms such as a constant dry cough, chest pain, high fever and shortness of breath may appear. Learn about the other signs and how to identify the infection.
- Legionella contamination occurs from contact with humid and hot environments where hygiene is not properly performed.
- For example.
- Some situations that favor the entry of bacteria through the respiratory system are swimming in lakes.
- Swimming pools.
- Water sources.
- Spas and contaminated spas.
- As well as frequently using air conditioning in which the filter is not cleaned periodically.
Although infection is more common after breathing small droplets of water, it can also occur by drinking contaminated water from these sources.
There is no vaccine against this infection and therefore to protect you, it is recommended to:
These precautions are especially appropriate in case of an outbreak of Legionella, however, it is important to avoid any type of stagnant water and have the habit of regularly cleaning chlorine showers.
Those most at risk of infection with the bacteria are smokers, people over the age of 50, and patients with chronic lung disease or diseases affecting the immune system, such as diabetes, HIV or kidney failure, for example.