“This is not a public health emergency.”
That’s Dr. Alexander Samuel. He’s the Health District Director in Chesterfield.
“The investigation itself, like I said, is simply ruling out things.”
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Symptoms can include fever, chills, cough and shortness of breath. People who are over 50 and have prior health concerns or who are smokers are at greater risk, he says. Dr. Sameul adds that the disease is treatable by antibiotics.
It becomes a health concern when the bacteria grows in man-made water-based systems, such as industrial air conditioners, shower heads, or hot tubs. People get infected by breathing in the bacteria, according to the CDC.
The number of cases has jumped from about 80 in 2010 to more than 230 last year in the state.
Ian Stewart/WCVE News
Get more information at: the Virginia Department of Health
