Experts urge protection against legionnaires' disease
( 2002-09-13 10:45 ) (8 )

As the weather cools down, health experts warn residents to caution against the legionnaires' disease which occurs in late summer and early autumn.

A recent inspection made by the Beijing Disease Control and Prevention Center revealed that the legionella bacteria were found in nearly one half of air conditioning systems in Beijing's large buildings, according to Friday's China Daily.

Legionnaires' disease is an acute, respiratory infection caused by the legionella bacteria. Symptoms commonly include headaches, fatigue, weight loss, body aches and fever.

The bacteria typically live in water. Hot tubs, shower heads, water faucets, air conditioning systems, water cooling towers and hot water heaters have all been implicated as sources of water droplets contaminated with the bacteria.