Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: https://www.fingerlakesdailynews.co...ionella-related-illness-on-the-rise-in-ithaca
Legionella Related Illness on the Rise in Ithaca
Fri, September 1, 2023 by Lucas Day
Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is advising the community of an increase incases of Legionellosis. Legionellosis is caused by exposure to the bacteria Legionella, and is a term used to describe multiple diseases, including Legionnaire’s Disease, Pontiac Fever and Extrapulmonary Legionellosis. Since June 2023, twelve (12) cases have been identified in the City and Town of Ithaca, and one death has been reported as of August 28. Symptoms of Legionellosis can include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headaches. If left untreated, this bacterial disease may cause pneumonia. People most at risk are those with a weakened immune system, current or former smokers, those with a chronic lung disease (like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or emphysema), or those over 50 years of age.
There is currently no established connection between the local cases, and the risk to the general public is low, though caution is advised for those most at risk. As is typical of Legionellosis, all of the local cases have required hospitalization and have primarily occurred in those over 50 years old and, most commonly, in persons who have other chronic health conditions. Legionellosis is not common but can be fatal. The Center for Disease Control states that one person out of 20 who are exposed to Legionella will become ill, and in rare instances it can cause death from pneumonia...
Legionella Related Illness on the Rise in Ithaca
Fri, September 1, 2023 by Lucas Day
Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is advising the community of an increase incases of Legionellosis. Legionellosis is caused by exposure to the bacteria Legionella, and is a term used to describe multiple diseases, including Legionnaire’s Disease, Pontiac Fever and Extrapulmonary Legionellosis. Since June 2023, twelve (12) cases have been identified in the City and Town of Ithaca, and one death has been reported as of August 28. Symptoms of Legionellosis can include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headaches. If left untreated, this bacterial disease may cause pneumonia. People most at risk are those with a weakened immune system, current or former smokers, those with a chronic lung disease (like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or emphysema), or those over 50 years of age.
There is currently no established connection between the local cases, and the risk to the general public is low, though caution is advised for those most at risk. As is typical of Legionellosis, all of the local cases have required hospitalization and have primarily occurred in those over 50 years old and, most commonly, in persons who have other chronic health conditions. Legionellosis is not common but can be fatal. The Center for Disease Control states that one person out of 20 who are exposed to Legionella will become ill, and in rare instances it can cause death from pneumonia...