Posted on 09/24/2019 5:18:54 PM PDT by buckalfa
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1 dead, 14 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in NC linked to Mountain State Fair NEWS by: WSPA Staff
Posted: Sep 24, 2019 / 03:19 PM EDT / Updated: Sep 24, 2019 / 07:16 PM EDT health doctor stethoscope charter medical doctor generic_407357 BUNCOMBE COUNTY, NC (WSPA) – One person has died and officials say 14 total cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been reported by people who attended the North Carolina Mountain State Fair in Fletcher, N.C. earlier this month.
Buncombe County and Henderson County health departments, along with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, are investigating the cases.
The state says there have been 14 total confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease.
Of those, nine are in Buncombe County including one person who died from the disease.
According to the news release, the fair was held in Fletcher on Sept. 6-15.
“We don’t yet know whether people might have been exposed to Legionella bacteria at the NC Mountain State Fair,” State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore said. “As a precaution, we are recommending that anyone who went to the fair and has symptoms of pneumonia, like cough, fever or shortness of breath, see a doctor right away and talk with them about Legionnaires’ disease.”
According to the release, Legionnaires’ disease is a “form of bacterial pneumonia (lung infection). A person may develop Legionnaires’ disease where they breathe in mist or accidentally swallow water into the lungs that contains Legionella bacteria.”
There are nine confirmed cases in Buncombe County, including one person who has died.
“In North Carolina, more than 150 cases of Legionnaires’ disease are reported each year. Symptoms typically begin two to 10 days after exposure and can include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches. Legionnaires’ disease is a serious illness but can be treated effectively with antibiotics. Legionella bacteria can also cause a milder flu-like illness called Pontiac fever, which resolves without treatment.”
According to the release, the people at highest risk of the disease includes people 50 years or older, current or former smokers, and those with chronic lung disease or a weakened immune system.
People who attended the NC Mountain State Fair who are experiencing cough, fever or shortness of breath should call their health care provider right away.
To report possible cases of Legionnaies’ disease, call the Division of Public Health at 919-733-3419 or call your local health department.
In Buncombe County, call 828-250-5109 or in Henderson County, call 828-694-6019.
Hmmm
Legionella bacteria...I took a medical bacteriology class from a cdc dr that worked on legionnaires disease. No doubt on his part that campylobacter was the cause of the disease.
This is weird.
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