Legionella Bacteria
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Context: Migrants were removed from the Bibby Stockholm barge in the UK after traces of the Legionella bacteria were found among them.
More on news
- The British government found asylum-seekers on a housing barge suffering from Legionella disease.
- One resident of the barge had a sore throat while the other was coughing and complaining of breathlessness.
- Low levels of Legionella have been found in the water system.
UK Government's Policy on asylum-seeker Migrants
- The government's policy is to put the asylum-seekers on board the Bibby Stockholm barge till the verdict on asylum comes.
- It was adopted to cut the cost of putting the migrants in hotels.
What are Legionella Bacteria?
- Legionella bacteria are found in lakes and ponds.
- They can also develop tanks and other water systems.
Legionnaires' disease
- Legionella Bacteria cause an infection called Legionnaires' disease.
- When people breathe in water contaminated with the bacteria, they get infected.
- Once these bacteria reach the lungs, they cause pneumonia.
Symptoms
- Many people exposed to the bacteria don't develop symptoms.
- Those who do develop symptoms may experience cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches and diarrhoea.
Transmission
- Legionnaires' disease doesn't spread from person to person.
- Instead, the bacteria spreads through the mist, such as from air-conditioning units for large buildings.
- Adults over the age of 50 and people with weak immune systems, chronic lung disease or heavy tobacco use are most at risk.
Legionnaires' disease in India
- Even though LD has been reported from many parts of the world, only sporadic cases have been reported in India.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements about Legionnaires' disease
How many of the above statements are correct?
Ans: D |
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