THREE people have died after being diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease during an outbreak in Milan.
Italian health authorities are racing to find the source of the infection, which they believe may be in the water supply.
About 90 percent of people exposed to legionella the bacteria, which can also be found in swimming pools and air conditioning, do not develop symptoms.
But up to 15 percent of people who get sick may suffer from serious illness, which can lead to potentially fatal pneumonia.
At least 49 cases of the disease have been registered in the Lombardy region, according to data from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), which states that the August 8 figures are correct.
The outbreak began on April 11, when the first case began showing symptoms.
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All cases range in age from 26 to 94, with 28 women and 21 men involved.
The majority (45) had some type of underlying health problem, which put them at greater risk for serious illness.
Around 12 of the 49 confirmed cases remain hospitalized, while three have died, the ECDC says.
The most common form of transmission is inhalation of sprays, jets or mists of infected water from contaminated water sources, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Authorities are inspecting cooling towers in the region and cleaning water systems with chlorine in an attempt to prevent more cases from emerging.
Legionella bacteria can remain in showers and taps that haven’t been used for a few days, which is why some experts recommend that tourists turn on taps and showers before using them.
Approximately half of the 300 Britons infected with Legionnaires’ disease each year contract the disease abroad, according to the Legionella and Fire Safe website.
What are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease?
These are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease you should watch out for:
- A cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- A high temperature
- Flu-like symptoms
You may need to go to the hospital if you are diagnosed with the virus.
You should call NHS 111 if you can’t breathe properly, have chest pains or feel like you have severe flu.
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How to protect yourself from Legionnaires’ disease on vacation
Going on vacation? Here’s how to avoid Legionnaires’ disease with some useful advice from the NHS:
- Choose accommodations with good cleanliness ratings, especially for water facilities like pools and hot tubs. It’s worth checking to see if they follow strict water maintenance practices.
- When you arrive, let the hot water in the shower run for a few minutes to wash away any stagnant water where bacteria may be hiding.
- Stick to bottled water, especially in places where water quality is questionable. And if you’re not sure about the ice, it’s best to jump!
- If you start to feel unwell with symptoms such as cough, fever or shortness of breath after using hotel facilities, don’t ignore it. Seek medical help quickly.
- Don’t hesitate to ask your hotel about water system maintenance. A little peace of mind goes a long way in keeping your vacation stress-free!
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
