LEGGIONAIRES DISEASE Charlotte Wightman 10 Science 1/6/12

WHAT IS LEGGIONARES? Proper name - ‘Legionellosis’ Form of Pneumonia Caused by the bacteria ‘Legionella’ Fatalities occur in over 10% of cases

WHAT IS IT CAUSED BY? Bacteria called ‘Legionella’ Found in warm environments such as: Warm water systems: showers, spas, pools ect. Soil or potting mix

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Take between 2 – 10 days until symptoms begin Flu-like symptoms include: Temperature Headaches and joint pains Dry cough Lack of breath

HOW IS IT CONTRACTED? Cannot be caught by another person or Contracted by the following: Breathing in bacteria in the from of droplets – ‘aerosols’ Air-cooling systems Through showers, spas, pools ect.

WHO IS AT RISK? Increases with age People with medical conditions – e.g. Cancer – have an increased chance Children rarely carry the disease

TREATMENT? Treatment takes place mainly in hospital in ICU Antibiotics Earlier treatment = better outcome

PREVENTION? No vaccine available yet Smokers quit smoking = minimal chance of contracting disease Gardeners = wear protective gear – e.g. gloves

QUESTIONS 1. Lifestyle factors implementing the disease include Isolation Long recovery period 2. Increased rates of the disease, especially as there is no known cure or vaccination for the disease 3. Are not many definite locations of disease, as warm environments – where the bacteria lives – are world-wide

BIBLIOGRAPHY INFECTIOUS DISEASES: (All information is from here – it’s a good site) 25/5/12 IMAGES: supply1.jpg supply1.jpg 25/5/12