25 infected with rare legionella bacteria in Sweden
In Sweden, 25 people have been infected with an unusual type of legionella bacteria. According to information from the Swedish media Aftonbladet, the majority of those infected are from the Stockholm area. Health authorities in Sweden suspect that the source of infection may be soil.
Magnus Gisslén, professor of infectious diseases at the Sahlgrenska Academy, stated to TT: “It is a serious disease that can cause severe pneumonia. Elderly individuals with underlying health conditions are at the highest risk.”
Legionella bacteria can cause a severe form of pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease. This disease occurs by inhaling the bacteria, which thrive in lukewarm or hot freshwater, especially in stagnant water, hot water systems, pipes, and large air conditioning systems. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include high fever, confusion, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Although the disease can be treated with antibiotics, the mortality rate is still between 5-20 percent.
To prevent the growth of legionella bacteria, the temperature of the hot water should be above 50 degrees Celsius, as the bacteria are killed at higher temperatures.
It is rare to see this bacteria in Sweden; it is more common in countries like Australia and New Zealand. Health authorities have not yet provided an update on the current status of the infected individuals.