One person died and six others were hospitalized in resuscitation after a series of legionellosis cases that appeared in the Albertville sector, in Savoie. According to the prefecture, seventeen confirmed cases were identified between September 16 and 22. But several other patients have suspicious symptoms and analyzes are underway. All those affected resident or have stayed recently in the Savoyard commune. The health authorities immediately sparked environmental and epidemiological investigations to identify the origin of contamination.
What is this serious infection, but not contagious
Legionellosis, or “legionnaire disease”, is a pulmonary infection caused by bacteria naturally present in fresh water. Normally, their concentration is too low to represent a danger. The problem occurs when these bacteria, called legionella, find favorable conditions to multiply, especially in domestic hot water, spas and swirling baths and aero-refrigerant towers used for air conditioning. If the water inside is contaminated, the bacteria are dispersed in the air over long distances. “”This is the link with the “air conditioning” that we often talk about (it is actually the centralized air conditioning of large buildings, not individual air conditioners) “.
“Contamination is only by respiratory means, explains Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor. It is the inhalation of fine droplets of contaminated water that causes infection. Drinking water, even contaminated, has no risk, except in the event of “false road” (inhalation in the lungs). “
In other words, legionellosis is not transmitted from one individual to another: it is not a contagious disease.
More vulnerable patients can develop serious forms
Other important information: among the cases identified in Savoy, the majority concerned people already with risk factors: diabetes, smoking or chronic respiratory disease. “”Anyone can theoretically be infected, but some people are much more vulnerable and develop serious forms ” confirms the doctor.
On the front line are mainly the elderly, smokers or individuals weakened by chronic pathologies (diabetes, renal failure, pulmonary or heart disease) which develop the serious forms.
Symptoms generally appear between two and ten days after exposure. High fever, intense cough, great fatigue and sometimes digestive disorders must alert. The disease can evolve towards severe pneumonia requiring emergency hospitalization.
Prevent rather than undergo
Faced with this type of epidemic, prevention remains the most effective weapon. Dr. Kierzek insists: “The legionellosis is treated by antibiotics, but it is better to avoid exposure “.
For this the doctor recalls the right gestures:
- Adjust the water heater temperature: Maintain hot water above 50 ° C in production (55-60 ° C ideally) and below 25 ° C for cold water;
- Purge little used taps and showers: Before using them, let the hot water run for a few minutes (avoiding breathing the vapors, ventilating the room). Ideal for friends bathrooms, vacation feedback;
- Maintain equipment: Regularly describe the shower heads, taps and flexible tips;
- Clean humidifiers: If you use an air humidifier, clean it and empty it daily.
The regulations also require strict monitoring in collective establishments such as hospitals, hotels or campsites. Each reported case allows authorities to react quickly to limit the spread.
Pending the ARS watches and continues its investigations. While recalling an essential: in case of evocative symptoms, consult your doctor quickly. In case of unavailability or doubts, call 15.