The World Health Organization reported that the Argentine Ministry of Health informed the WHO Regional Office for the Americas that a type of bacteria (Legionella) had been confirmed as the cause of a cluster of pneumonia cases in one province.
And the international organization added in a statement, today, Sunday, that a total of 11 cases have been identified so far, including 4 deaths of patients who were suffering from comorbidities.
She indicated that this type of bacteria is associated with severe pneumonia outbreaksShe added that the most common form of transmission is the inhalation of contaminated aerosols produced in conjunction with water or mist sprays, and infection can also occur by inhaling contaminated water, especially in susceptible patients in hospital environments, explaining that the treatment includes giving antibiotics for several weeks. or months.
She explained that the Argentine Ministry of Health and regional health authorities are working to identify the source and implement appropriate control measures, as they collect environmental samples, perform risk assessments, and implement procedures in the health care clinic related to the outbreak, at the same time the Organization’s regional office is supporting Argentine authorities to investigate the outbreak.