Argentina pneumonia outbreak: Lab tests suggest Legionnaires’ disease is the cause

Lab assessments recommend that Legionella micro organism are concerned in an 11-person outbreak of unexplained pneumonia circumstances at a non-public medical clinic in Tucumán

By Carissa Wong

A cluster of unexplained pneumonia circumstances in Argentina that has led to 4 deaths might have been brought on by Legionnaires’ illness.

The outbreak, which occurred at a non-public medical clinic within the Tucumán province of north-western Argentina, has to date concerned 11 individuals. 4 persons are at present hospitalised, two are receiving therapies outdoors the clinic and one particular person has been discharged. The circumstances have included at the very least eight healthcare employees, two of whom have died.

The origin of the outbreak was unknown, prompting concern. Now, preliminary lab assessments on two individuals’s lung samples have indicated the presence of the micro organism Legionella pneumophila, in response to a report by the Pan American Well being Group revealed on 3 September.

L. pneumophila causes Legionnaires’ illness and is often present in rivers, lakes and reservoirs in small portions. Legionnaires’ illness is uncommon and is normally brought on by inhaling tiny airborne water droplets, or aerosols, expelled from contaminated air-con models, humidifiers and faucets.

In addition to lung irritation, widespread signs of the situation embrace fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, shortness of breath and complications. Legionnaires’ illness may be handled utilizing antibiotics, however individuals with extra extreme circumstances might should be provided with oxygen or placed on a ventilator.

Researchers hope to verify the early findings by sequencing extra microbial genes from lung samples, analysing the antibodies produced by these contaminated and rising the microbe within the lab.

“The circumstantial proof collected to date is per Legionella, however proof of Legionella from environmental sampling or from extra established diagnostics from extra of the sufferers could be required to provide a assured affirmation,” says Martin Hibberd on the London College of Hygiene & Tropical Drugs.

“Often, rules stipulate that water storage and plumbing must be chemically dosed with disinfectant to forestall Legionella contamination. With a clear water system and common checks, future circumstances may be prevented,” says Hibberd.