In News:

Health authorities in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, have issued a public alert after a spike in Legionnaires’ disease cases in Sydney. The outbreak is suspected to be linked to contaminated air-conditioning systems in the city.

About Legionnaires’ Disease

Aspect                           Details

Cause                             Legionella bacteria, found in freshwater and man-made water systems

Type                                A severe form of pneumonia

Related Disease      Pontiac fever – a milder, flu-like respiratory illness caused by the same bacteria

Key Features

• Symptoms:
  • High fever, cough, shortness of breath
  • Muscle pain, headaches, confusion
  • Diarrhoea or nausea in some cases
• Transmission:
  • Not person-to-person
  • Spread through inhalation of contaminated aerosols (e.g., from cooling towers, air conditioners, hot tubs)
• Risk Factors:
  • Elderly individuals
  • Smokers
  • People with weakened immune systems or chronic lung conditions

Treatment and Prevention

• Treatment: Requires antibiotic therapy
• Vaccine: No vaccine currently available
• Prevention:
  • Regular maintenance and disinfection of water systems
  • Monitoring air-conditioning and cooling systems