Protect against Legionella Exposure

Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia, is caused by the bacterium Legionella, which thrives in both natural and man-made aquatic environments. It becomes a concern when structures like cooling towers and plumbing systems, serve as breeding grounds for the bacterium if these systems are not properly maintained.

The primary mode of exposure is inhalation of water droplets or aerosols contaminated with Legionella. This can occur when maintenance personnel work on or enter water systems harbouring Legionella bacteria, but may also affect building occupants who use these systems (such as showers) or are otherwise exposed to contaminated aerosols (such as from water fountains and mist from cooling towers that has been distributed via the ventilation system).

Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease typically include fever, cough, muscle aches, and headaches. If left untreated, these symptoms can progress to respiratory failure and may even prove fatal.

To protect against Legionnaires' disease and Legionella exposure, it's essential to implement preventive measures. These include regular cleaning and disinfection of water systems, maintaining appropriate temperature control for hot and cold water, employing chemical treatments to disinfect water systems, and reducing Legionella aerosolization with effective filtration systems.

Understanding how the disease spreads, adopting these preventive measures, and seeking immediate medical attention if exposure is suspected are crucial steps for safeguarding both yourself and those in your vicinity.