The general subdirectorate of Epidemiology and Health Surveillance, of the General Directorate of Public Health, confirmed this Wednesday three cases of legionellosis in people residing in municipalities of Valencia affected by DANA. As specified by the health department in a statement, the three patients have risk factors due to previous pathologies, and two of them remain hospitalized in hospital centers.
It is a disease of environmental origin caused by the bacteria legionellawhich can be found in the surface waters of rivers, lakes and ponds. After an event like the one on October 29, this bacteria can enter the water distribution network and enter the sanitary water systems of buildings.
Legionnaires’ disease occurs in the form of pneumonia and may be accompanied by muscle aches, headaches, high fever, cough or difficulty breathing. In this sense, the Department of Health of the Generalitat Valenciana insists on the importance of observing these symptoms in people exposed to flooded areas or who have participated in cleaning tasks in the affected municipalities.
Thus, people can become infected by inhaling aerosols generated that contain the bacteria, for example, in showers in contaminated facilities or during cleaning activities earthen, also contaminated. However, it is not contagious from person to person.
Health Recommendations
The Ministry of Health reminds us of the importance of following the recommendations approved by the Public Health response coordination group. Specifically, it is recommended check the buildings water tank affected and, if it has accumulated sediment, it must be emptied, cleaned and disinfected. In addition, it is recommended to preferably use thick-drop diffusers and shower heads.
Do not use spray filters on faucets and replace faucets and showers that are very deterioratedare other recommendations. In this case, it is advisable to dismantle the diffusers from the taps and showers, clean them and immerse them in anti-limescale products or vinegar for a few hours. Then rinse them and immerse them in a solution containing 10 ml of bleach per liter of water for 30 minutes. Finally, it should be rinsed with plenty of water.
With the diffusers removed, you must let the water run of all taps for five minutes, first in the cold water position, then in hot water at maximum temperature, and finally in cold water. It is recommended to repeat this last step (cold, hot, cold water) also if you return home after a period of absence, as well as flush the toilet tanks with the lid closed at least once a week.
Finally, if you have an electric water heater, before using hot water, you must make sure that the temperature is greater than 60 °C. It is recommended that it be turned on continuously. Additionally, whenever possible, use the dishwasher and washing machine on the hot water setting.
Finally, Public Health insists that when cleaning tasks are carried out you have to use a maskrubber boots or waterproof closed footwear, eye protection, clothing that covers arms and legs and waterproof gloves. All information about the recommendations is available at: DANA Information – Health – Department of Health
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