Argentina’s health authorities have made everything clear after several cases of deadly pneumonia: they are due to legionella, Health Minister Carla Vizzotti said on Saturday. The exact type of bacteria has yet to be determined.
The deaths of a total of four people had been reported since Monday, who died of “pneumonia of unknown cause”, as it was initially said. A total of eleven people were sick. All cases were found near a private clinic in Tucumán.
Coronavirus as a cause excluded
Health officials tried to figure out which pathogen caused the double pneumonia, which was accompanied by a high fever and breathing difficulties. During the investigations at a renowned laboratory in the capital Buenos Aires, the coronavirus, influenza A and B flu viruses and hantaviruses were already ruled out as possible causes.
Legionella are heat-loving bacteria that multiply in fresh water and can cause severe pneumonia if people inhale the contaminated water in the form of tiny droplets. However, many infections are harmless and more like a mild cold. Older and weaker people are especially at risk. Infections are usually treatable with the right antibiotics.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
