Legionnaires’ Outbreak Linked as Cause to Pneumonia Deaths in Argentina

Health authorities confirmed on Saturday that an infectious pneumonia outbreak which killed four people in northwest Argentina had died of Legionnaires’ disease.
The cases are linked to a single private clinic in the city of San Miguel de Tucuman, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
Local health officials so far have reported 11 confirmed cases, including four deaths.
Symptoms have included fever, muscle, and abdominal pain and shortness of breath. Several patients had pneumonia in both lungs.
The Legionella bacteria can be transmitted when people inhale contaminated aerosols produced in conjunction with water sprays, jets, or mists, according to PAHO. Infection can also occur by aspiration of contaminated water or ice, particularly in susceptible patients in hospital environments….