health
Legionellosis cases on the rise in the U.S.
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Sept. 5, 2011
The incidence of reported legionellosis cases in the United States nearly tripled from 2000 to 2009, according to a study published Aug. 19 in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The rate climbed from 0.39 cases per 100,000 people in 2000 to 1.15 cases in 2009.
Researchers assessed legionellosis cases reported to the CDC during 2000-09 through the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System and a Supplemental Legionnaires' disease Surveillance System. They found that the number of reported cases increased from 1,110 in 2000 to 3,522 in 2009 (link). They said the uptick could be related to the nation's growing number of older people and individuals at high risk for infection.
Researchers recommend that health professionals test and treat adults with severe community-acquired pneumonia for Legionnaires' disease, be vigilant for health care-associated Legionnaires' disease and report legionellosis cases to public health authorities.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/05/hlbf0905.htm.
