Once more offices open up, following the easing of coronavirus measures, a new danger presents itself – Legionnaires’ disease. This arises because of poorly maintained water and air conditioning systems.
The number of cases of Legionella is increasing globally, with a marked change recorded in the U.S. The number of cases now stands, typically, at 10,000 cases per year. The disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria (L. pneumophila). These organisms can be inhaled into the lungs through water aerosols and droplet, suspended in the air when water is used. Signs and symptoms typically include fever, cough, and chest pain, and it can result in death in up to 10 percent of cases.
