With the scorching heat, air conditioners have become a staple in households. However, what many don’t realize is that after a long period of inactivity, air conditioners can become a breeding ground for the dangerous Legionella bacteria, which can cause severe pneumonia and even lead to fatalities if left untreated.
Legionella Bacteria Hiding in Air Conditioners – How Dangerous Is It?
According to medical experts, Legionella bacteria thrive in warm and humid environments, typically growing at temperatures ranging from 77 to 107.6 °F (25 to 42 °C). When tiny water droplets (aerosols) containing these bacteria are released into the air, individuals who inhale them can contract Legionnaires’ disease, also known as “Legion fever.”
What’s concerning is that the initial symptoms can be mistaken for a common cold, including fever, coughing, and fatigue. However, within 48 hours, if left untreated or misdiagnosed, the disease can rapidly progress to severe pneumonia, respiratory failure, multi-organ damage, and even death, with reported mortality rates as high as 10-30%.
Individuals at higher risk include the elderly, those with chronic underlying conditions, smokers, and people with compromised immune systems.
Common Hiding Places of Legionella Bacteria
Legionella bacteria are not limited to air conditioners; they can also be found in various commonly used devices and spaces, such as:
– Air conditioner evaporator coils and filters that are not regularly cleaned.
– Showerheads and faucets that have not been used for extended periods.
– Public hot springs, fountains, and household humidifiers.
– Water-using appliances such as storage tanks and pipes in central air conditioning systems.
At these sites, if the water is not regularly cleaned and disinfected, Legionella bacteria can proliferate and create challenging-to-control reservoirs of infection when released into the air as aerosols.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For
Legionella infection has an incubation period of 2 to 10 days. Common symptoms to look out for include:
– Persistent high fever above 102.2 °F (39 °C)
– Dry or productive cough, which may include blood-stained sputum
– Chest pain and difficulty breathing
– Nausea and diarrhea
– Confusion and disorientation
Notably, many cases do not respond to common antibiotics such as penicillin, leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment, which further increases the risk of severe complications.
Effective Prevention Measures
1. Sanitize equipment before use:
– Air conditioners: Schedule a professional technician to perform a comprehensive cleaning at least once a year, especially before summer. Clean the air filters monthly with hot water (above 70 °C) and a neutral detergent.
– Showerheads and water storage devices: If they haven’t been used for a while, flush them with water for a few minutes to remove stagnant water and built-up dirt.
– Humidifiers: Change the water daily and disinfect weekly with a diluted chlorine solution.
2. Be cautious when traveling or exposed to humid environments:
– Opt for hot springs, pools, or bathing facilities that maintain proper sanitation and regularly test water quality.
– When gardening or handling soil, wear a mask and gloves to minimize direct contact with bacteria from the environment.
3. Monitor your health after potential exposure:
– If you experience symptoms like high fever, coughing, or diarrhea after using air conditioning, bathing in warm water, or traveling, seek medical attention promptly. Be sure to inform your doctor about your recent activities to receive appropriate diagnostic tests.
Why Is It Called “Legion Fever”?
The name “Legionella” originates from a significant health event in 1976 in Philadelphia, USA. During a convention, numerous veterans contracted severe pneumonia caused by this bacterium, leading the media to coin the term “Legion fever.” Subsequently, the bacterium was named Legionella.
It’s important to emphasize that this disease can affect anyone, not just soldiers or those with specific occupations. Proper hygiene practices when using equipment associated with water and air are crucial for everyone’s safety.
Expert Recommendations
Prevention is always better than cure. During the summer peak, when air conditioner usage surges, individuals must stay vigilant and adhere strictly to equipment sanitation guidelines.
If you experience unusual respiratory symptoms, especially if they persist despite antibiotic treatment, consult a specialist in infectious diseases to rule out Legionella infection and receive accurate diagnosis and care.
