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Three dead in Italy’s Milan water supply outbreak of deadly bacterial bug
At least three people have died and dozens more are hospitalised after being infected with Legionnaires’ disease in Milan, Italy, following an outbreak of bacteria caught from air conditioners and pools, officials said. More than 50 cases of infection have been reported in the Lombardy region, according to the latest data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, or ECDC. Officials say the outbreak began in April when the first case started showing symptoms. Read on to know more about it.
Doctors say more than 90 percent of people exposed to Legionella bacteria usually don’t develop symptoms
An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Italy’s fashion capital Milan has killed three people and sickened dozens more. Italian health officials say they are working to trace the source of the infection, which they say may be in the city’s water supply.
According to experts, more than 90 percent of people come in contact with it. Legionella bacteria People who are infected with the virus – most commonly found in pools and air conditioning – usually do not develop symptoms. However, 15-20 percent of those who do develop symptoms can become very ill, leading to fatal pneumonia.
More than 50 new cases of infection have been reported in the Lombardy region, according to the latest data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, or ECDC. Officials say the outbreak began in April when the first case began showing symptoms.
While the majority of infections have been in the 22-28 year old age group, doctors say the majority of those infected have underlying health conditions that put them at a higher risk of fatal illness. Of the 49 confirmed cases, about 12 are in hospital, while three have died, the ECDC reported.
According to the World Health Organization, the most common form of infection is through inhaling infected water spray, jets or mists from contaminated water sources.
officials inspecting the water supply
Officials say they have begun inspecting cooling towers and the city’s water distribution system to find the exact source of the infection. Also, the water plant is being treated with chlorine to prevent further spread.
Experts say that Legionella bacteria live in showers and taps that have not been used for a while and this is why it is important to always clean and run taps before using them. According to NHS figures, around 300 Britons are infected with Legionnaires’ disease every year due to this disease.
What is Legionnaire’s disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of serious lung infection that you can get by breathing in Legionella Bacteria – which also affect your brain and gastrointestinal tract. According to experts, Legionella It also causes Pontiac fever – a less serious disease with flu-like symptoms.
Doctors say most people with Legionnaires’ disease have a fever and cough, but they can also have other pulmonary symptoms, such as diarrhea and confusion.
Who is most at risk?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, most people don’t get Legionnaires’ disease, even if they’ve been around the bacteria. However, some people may be more susceptible to the disease if they:
- are over 50 years old
- smoke
- have a weak immune system
- have a long-term respiratory disease, such as COPD or asthma
- I was recently admitted to a hospital
- have recently had surgery requiring anesthesia
- have recently had an organ transplant
Signs and Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease
Doctors say Legionnaires’ disease causes pneumonia-like symptoms that begin two to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria. Some of these symptoms are:
- High fever
- Dry and persistent cough
- breathlessness
- Diarrhea
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- nausea
- Confusion
- Coughing up blood
- stomach pain
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