My brother is in hospital and Legionella has been found in his urine. Does this mean he has Legionnaires’ disease?
Probably yes. Just out of curiosity, is your brother in a Hurricane Sandy zone?
Follow-Up:
No, he is in a hospital in Ontario, Canada. At age 78, he became ill while in Hilton Head, was driven home where he was hospitalized. He has been diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia, is incredibly weak and at times is disoriented with low-grade temp. Thank you for your help.
Reply:
The source of your brother’s Legionella is in the Hilton Head hotel. Inform US CDC or ask your Health Department to do it. This infectious disease syndrome has a name: “Travel-associated Legionnaires’ disease.”
BTW, if your brother is a smoker, he should quit now.
Finally, Canadian hospitals have capable physicians. I assume he is being treated with azithromycin or levofloxacin. If he is improving – fine. If he is the ICU and deteriorating, he should get the following 3 drug regimen: Rifampin (3 days only), Azithromycin, Levofloxacin.
Good luck!