Legionella identified as cause of pneumonia cluster in Argentina

As of Saturday, a total of 11 pneumonia cases, including four deaths of patients with underlying medical conditions, were confirmed as part of an outbreak linked to a clinic in the city of San Miguel de Tucuman, the organization said. rice field.

The organization said Saturday it was notified by the Argentine Ministry of Health that Legionella was the cause, adding that authorities are now investigating the cause.

The ministry is “collecting environmental samples, conducting risk assessments and implementing medical clinic measures related to the outbreak,” the update said. “PAHO is providing support from its headquarters and the PAHO Country Office in Argentina to the Argentine health authorities in investigating and characterizing the outbreak.”

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Breathing in tiny droplets that contain bacteria can make you sick, causing infections in your lungs. This disease can be treated with antibiotics.