A Metrorex employee is intubated in a serious condition at the Balș Hospital, with pneumonia, suspected of being infected with Legionella bacteria, possibly after the floods in the metro stations last week. Metrorex has not confirmed the presence of the bacteria in the subway, and so far no epidemiological investigation has taken place. In an interview for “Adevărul”, doctor Beatrice Mahler, from the Marius Nasta Institute, recommended vulnerable people to avoid the subway and wet places, stating that the epidemiological investigation is crucial to identify if the underground stations are infested.
A Metrorex employee is hospitalized in a serious condition at the Balș Hospital, with a severe form of pneumonia, and doctors suspect an infection with Legionella pneumophila bacteria, possibly contracted following the massive floods that affected metro stations last week. The woman, who suffers from diabetes, obesity and heart failure, is intubated and under strict medical supervision, and her condition is all the more serious the more co-morbidities she has.
In the absence of an official epidemiological investigation, Metrorex said that it cannot specify whether the employee’s infection occurred at work or outside it. The case comes shortly after the floods that hit the Capital, causing chaos in metro stations and flooding some areas of the underground network.
Although there is still no official confirmation of the link between the two events, the suspicion is strengthened by the fact that the Legionella bacteria thrives in moist environments and is transmitted by inhaling contaminated aerosols, and standing water in subway stations could represent a favorable environment for its proliferation.
“Avoid traveling by subway unless absolutely necessary”
Prof. Dr. Beatrice Mahler, primary pulmonologist at the Marius Nasta Institute in Bucharest, explained to “Adevărul” that severe infection generally occurs in people with low immunity or with pre-existing conditions, such as chronic lung diseases, diabetes, renal failure or those undergoing immunosuppressive treatments.
In the case of the patient admitted to Balș, the presence of diabetes, obesity and heart failure explains the serious evolution of the disease.
“It is important to remember that not all exposed people get sick, only those with low immunity or with associated comorbidities, and many go through the infection like a mild flu, managing it with symptomatic treatment”Prof. Dr. Beatrice Mahler transmitted.
For those who suffer from chronic respiratory conditions or who are more sensitive to moisture and mold, the doctor offered some recommendations.
“For those who are vulnerable, the general advice is to use their medication rigorously, have emergency medication with them when in respiratory risk areas, and avoid crowded or humid places, such as the subway, as much as possible unless travel is absolutely necessary.”the doctor emphasized.
Bucharest, paralyzed by torrential rains. Streets, boulevards and subway stations, flooded according to Red Code. Firefighters from several counties help the Capital
Epidemiological investigation, the first step to determine whether or not the bacteria is present in the subway
The doctor emphasized that the epidemiological investigation is extremely important to determine exactly where the person spent his time before the illness.
“When a Legionella infection is suspected, it is essential to carry out a rigorous epidemiological investigation, as it must be carefully assessed where the person spent their time in the week or two weeks before becoming ill, because the source of contamination is not necessarily the same in all cases”Beatrice Mahler transmitted.
The doctor explained that the Legionella bacterium needs a moist environment and a high temperature to develop, and transmission to humans is done by inhaling fine particles of contaminated water, a process called aerosolization.
“Legionella bacteria need a moist environment and a high temperature to develop, around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, and the infection reaches the lungs through aerosolization, that is, by inhaling fine particles of water, as happens when the air conditioner sucks in the air and creates a flow that can promote transmission”stated Prof. Dr. Beatrice Mahler.
Regarding the possible link between the subway floods and the Legionella infection, the pulmonologist was of the opinion that this association was unlikely.
“Regarding the possible link between Legionella and flooding, the literature does not indicate such an association; the bacteria does not typically grow in standing water, but rather in air conditioning systems, hot tubs, filters, and areas where water stagnates and allows growth, but not in pipes where water is constantly flowing.”explained Beatrice Mahler.
What is Legionnaires’ disease and how can it be prevented?
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila, first identified in 1976.
The bacterium is found naturally in fresh water, but becomes dangerous when it multiplies in artificial water systems such as cooling towers, large air conditioning systems, showers, decorative fountains or jacuzzis.
The infection is transmitted by inhalation of contaminated aerosols and does not spread from person to person, with rare exceptions.
Symptoms include high fever, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle pain and, in severe cases, respiratory failure.
There is also a milder form called Pontiac fever, which usually clears up on its own.
