Swimming in Tranquil Lakes Poses Risk of Bacterial Pneumonia: Research
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A recent study warns that swimming in still-water lakes may expose swimmers to Legionella, a bacterium that can cause pneumonia. Researchers urge awareness of the disease's symptoms and risk factors.
Key Takeaways
- Legionella can cause pneumonia in swimmers.
- Symptoms include fever, cough, and chest pain.
- High-risk individuals include those over 50 and immunocompromised.
- Testing is crucial for severe pneumonia cases.
- Stagnant water environments are problematic.
New Delhi, Feb 18 (NationPress) Engaging in swimming activities in certain still-water lakes may result in exposure to Legionella, a bacterium linked to pneumonia, according to a study presented by researchers on Tuesday. They are urging individuals who participate in open water swimming to be cautious of this potential hazard.
Commonly known as legionnaires' disease, an infection caused by legionella can lead to serious lung inflammation, marked by symptoms such as fever, chills, malaise, chest pain, cough, fatigue, respiratory issues, and, in some instances, diarrhoea.
Dr. Ashley Bryson, an internal medicine resident at the University of Manitoba, stated, "Legionella infection poses a significant public health risk due to its capacity to propagate through contact with both natural water bodies and artificial water reservoirs."
In a publication in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the researchers elucidated that legionella bacteria flourish in warm, stagnant water found in plumbing systems, air conditioning units, public spas, and even in lakes and rivers.
Individuals over the age of 50, those with a history of smoking, chronic cardiovascular or renal diseases, diabetes, and weakened immune systems are identified as the primary risk factors for Legionnaires' disease.
"Medical practitioners should consider legionnaires' disease in patients exhibiting pneumonia symptoms that do not improve with broad-spectrum antibiotics, particularly if the pneumonia is severe, occurs in immunocompromised individuals, or follows recent travel, especially when only antimicrobials ineffective against atypical pathogens have been utilized," the researchers recommended.
They highlighted the necessity for testing for legionnaires’ disease in patients who fail to respond to outpatient antibiotic treatment for community-acquired pneumonia; this is especially crucial for cases involving severe pneumonia that necessitate intensive care.
Individuals with compromised immune systems, those possessing a travel history within 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms, and patients admitted to hospitals with hospital-acquired pneumonia should also undergo testing for legionnaires’ disease.
Symptoms typically emerge 2–14 days post-exposure but may linger for weeks.
