Legionnaires’ Legacy: The 1976 Epidemic in Philadelphia that Changed Public Health
It wasn’t until this epidemic that a new species of bacteria causing flu-like symptoms and pneumonia was discovered.
A quick summary of what you’re about to read, if you don’t have a lot of time:
In 1976, an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease occurred during the American Legion’s convention in Philadelphia, resulting in 34 deaths and 221 illnesses. The cause was later identified as Legionella pneumophila bacteria in the hotel’s cooling tower, which had spread through the ventilation system. The outbreak led to the identification of the bacteria as the cause of the disease, new regulations for water system maintenance, and increased awareness of the risk of Legionnaires’ disease in public buildings.
Okay, so you do have time… Read on!
In 1976, a mysterious and deadly outbreak of pneumonia occurred in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The disease was later identified as Legionnaires’ disease (also known as “legionellosis”), a severe form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila.
