Legionella Bacteria UPSC

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Context: Migrants were removed from the Bibby Stockholm barge in the UK after traces of the Legionella bacteria were found among them.

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The British government found asylum-seekers on a housing barge suffering from Legionella disease.
One resident of the barge had a sore throat while the other was coughing and complaining of breathlessness.
Low levels of Legionella have been found in the water system.

UK Government's Policy on asylum-seeker Migrants

The government's policy is to put the asylum-seekers on board the Bibby Stockholm barge till the verdict on asylum comes.
It was adopted to cut the cost of putting the migrants in hotels.

What are Legionella Bacteria?

Legionnaires' disease

Symptoms

Many people exposed to the bacteria don't develop symptoms.
Those who do develop symptoms may experience cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches and diarrhoea.

Transmission

Legionnaires' disease doesn't spread from person to person.
Instead, the bacteria spreads through the mist, such as from air-conditioning units for large buildings.
Adults over the age of 50 and people with weak immune systems, chronic lung disease or heavy tobacco use are most at risk.

Legionnaires' disease in India

Even though LD has been reported from many parts of the world, only sporadic cases have been reported in India.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements about Legionnaires' disease

It is a fungal disease.
Many people suffering from the disease don't develop symptoms.
There are widespread cases of the disease with epidemic-like situations in India.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Ans: D