Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

Windscreen Water Increases Risk of Legionnaires' Disease

by Savitha C Muppala on June 15, 2010 at 11:00 AM
 Windscreen Water Increases Risk of Legionnaires' Disease

Risk of contracting Legionnaires' disease increases when people don't use screenwash to clean their car's windscreen wipers.

According to the UK's Health Protection Agency, windscreen wiper water could be the cause of nearly 20 per cent of Legionnaires' disease cases in England and Wales.

Advertisement

Stagnant, warm water is a breeding ground for the Legionella bacterium, which causes pneumonia when inhaled.

However, screenwash kills the bacteria and could save lives.

The finding came after researchers observed that professional drivers are five times more likely to develop the infection.
Advertisement

The disorder mainly strikes people over 50 years of age and is more common in men.

Early symptoms feel similar to flu with muscle aches, tiredness, headaches, dry cough and fever.

Legionnaires' disease is fatal in about 10-15 per cent of patients.

"This is a bug which lives in the environment and will take advantage of warm water systems that are not cleaned out," The BBC quoted Professor Hugh Pennington, an expert in bacteriology, as saying.

Pennington added: "Legionnaires' is rare but it kills people and it's an extremely unpleasant disease.

"If you can prevent it with something this simple then it's a no brainer really."

Source: ANI
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest General Health News

Japan Approves Bill for Medicinal Cannabis Use
The Japanese parliament approved a bill allowing medical cannabis products and prohibiting their use for non-medicinal purposes.
Americans Struggle to Keep Up Healthy Habits in Holiday Season
Most Americans confess that due to constant flurry of activity during the holiday season, it is difficult to eat nutritiously, exercise, and get enough sleep.
Depression, Constipation & Urinary Tract Infection: Early Signs of Multiple Sclerosis
People who suffer from depression, constipation, and urinary tract infections are more likely to get multiple sclerosis(MS) five years before MS diagnosis.
Antibiotic Misuse Can Cause Kidney Stones & Infection
Seeking internet help for an incomplete antibiotic course resulted in kidney stone formation and urinary tract infection in a young woman.
Brain Care Score Tracks Dementia & Stroke Risks
The Brain Care Score is a tool to evaluate brain health and reduce the risk of brain disorders including dementia and stroke.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Windscreen Water Increases Risk of Legionnaires' Disease Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests