Legionella risk in still water lakes: experts warn open water swimmers
A team of researchers said on Tuesday that swimming in a few lakes with still waters could lead to illness with Legionella, a bacterium that can cause pneumonia.
They call on individuals who engage in open-water swimming to know the risk.
A team of researchers has issued a warning for open water swimmers about the risk of Legionella infection when swimming in still water lakes.
Legionella, the bacterium responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, can cause severe pneumonia and lung inflammation, according to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal on Tuesday.
What is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Also known as Legionella infection, this disease leads to severe lung inflammation and symptoms such as:
- Fever and chills
- Malaise and fatigue
- Chest pain and cough
- Respiratory difficulties
- Occasional diarrhoea
Where is Legionella Found?
Dr. Ashley Bryson, an internal medicine resident at the University of Manitoba, explained that Legionella bacteria thrive in warm, stagnant water. Common locations include:
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- Plumbing systems
- Air conditioning units
- Public spas and hot tubs
- Lakes and rivers
Who is at Risk?
Certain individuals are more vulnerable to severe Legionella infections, including:
- People over 50 years old
- Smokers or those with a smoking history
- Patients with chronic heart or kidney disease
- Individuals with diabetes
- Those with compromised immune systems
When to Suspect Legionnaires’ Disease?
Doctors should consider Legionnaires’ disease in pneumonia patients who do not respond to broad-spectrum antibiotics, especially in cases of:
- Severe pneumonia in immunocompromised patients
- Pneumonia in those with recent travel history
- Patients treated with antibiotics that do not cover atypical pathogens
Testing and Diagnosis
Testing for Legionnaires’ disease is recommended for:
- Patients with pneumonia not improving with outpatient antibiotics
- Severe pneumonia cases requiring intensive care
- Patients with recent travel history within 14 days of symptom onset
- Hospitalized patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia
How Long Do Symptoms Last?
Symptoms typically appear 2 to 14 days after exposure but can persist for weeks in severe cases.
Conclusion
With open water swimming growing in popularity, experts urge swimmers to be cautious about stagnant water bodies and be aware of Legionella risks. Proper diagnosis and early treatment are crucial for preventing complications from this serious bacterial infection.