Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 14 Aug 2024
Three Die In Outbreak Of Deadly Bacterial Bug Caught In Water Supply In Italy's Milan
Doctors say more than 90 of people exposed to legionella bacteria do not usually develop symptoms
Three people have died and dozens of others have fallen ill due to Legionnaires' disease during an outbreak in Italy’s fashion capital Milan. Italian health authorities say they are racing to find the source of the infection, which they say could be in the city’s water supply.
According to experts, more than 90 per cent of people exposed to legionella bacteria – also found mostly in pools and air conditioning – do not usually develop symptoms. However, for 15-20 per cent of those who show signs, they can become extremely sick from the disease, which leads to fatal pneumonia.
The latest figures from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control or ECDC say more than 50 cases of the infection have been recorded in the Lombardy region. Authorities say the outbreak began in April when the first case started reporting symptoms.
While most cases of the infection are aged between 22-28 years, doctors say a majority of those infected suffer from an underlying health condition, which has put them at higher risk of the life-threatening illness. Around 12 of the 49 confirmed cases remain in hospital, while three have died, the ECDC states.
The most common form of transmission is inhalation of infected water sprays, jets, or mists from contaminated water sources, according to the World Health Organisation.
Authorities inspecting water supply
Authorities say they have begun inspecting cooling towers and the city’s water distribution system to find the exact source of infection. Also, the water plant is being treated with chlorine to prevent further spread.Experts say Legionella bacteria sits in showers and taps that have not been used for some time and that is why it is important to always clean and run the taps before using them. Around 300 Britons get infected with Legionnaire’s disease yearly due to this, according to NHS statistics.
What is Legionnaire’s disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of severe lung infection you may get from breathing in Legionella bacteria – which also affects your brain and gastrointestinal tract. According to experts, Legionella also causes Pontiac fever - a less serious illness with flu-like symptoms.
Doctors say most people who are diagnosed with Legionnaire’s disease have fever and cough but may also have other pulmonary symptoms such as diarrhoea and confusion.
Who is most at risk?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, most people do not get Legionnaires’ disease, even if they have been around the bacteria. However, a few are likely to be more vulnerable, if they are:
- Are older than 50 years of age
- Smoke
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have a long-term respiratory illness like COPD or asthma
- Have stayed in a hospital recently
- Have had surgery requiring anesthesia recently
- Have received an organ transplant recently
Signs and symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease
Doctors say Legionnaires’ disease causes pneumonia-like symptoms that start two to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria. A few of these include:
- High fever
- Dry and persistent cough
- Breathlessness
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Coughing blood
- Stomach pain
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