What is Legionella and its risks on Human Health
Welcome to this blog post about Legionella, an important topic to be aware of, regarding human health. Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause a serious type of pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease. In this article, we’ll cover what Legionella is, how it affects human health, and the steps that can be taken to protect yourself. By understanding the risks of Legionella, you’ll be better equipped to protect yourself and your loved ones. So, let’s get started!
Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause a serious lung infection called Legionnaires’ disease.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by Legionella bacteria. These bacteria are found in water and can cause infections when people breathe in contaminated water droplets. Legionnaires’ disease can be deadly, so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical help if you think you may be infected. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to a successful recovery.
Legionella can be found in natural and man-made water systems, including hot tubs, cooling towers, and air-conditioning units.
Legionella can be found in natural and man-made water systems, including hot tubs, cooling towers, and air-conditioning units. While Legionella is not harmful to humans, it can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia in people who are exposed to the bacteria.
Legionella is commonly found in water systems, it is important to note that it does not pose a risk to human health unless it is inhaled. If you are concerned about Legionella in your water system, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of exposure.
First, make sure that your hot tub or spa is maintained properly and that the water is clean and free of debris. Legionella can grow in stagnant water, so it is important to keep the water circulating. You should also avoid using hot tubs or spas that have not been properly chlorinated. It is interesting to add that Legionella bacteria feeds on scale, algae, rust, organic matter, and sediment. All the elements just listed are often present in water basins and pipe networks.
Second, if you have a cooling tower on your property, make sure that it is regularly inspected and cleaned. Cooling towers can be a breeding ground for Legionella, so it is important to keep them clean and free of stagnant water.
Third, avoid dead ends on your piping network. In dead ends water tends to remain stagnant. These are ideal places for Legionella bacteria to thrive.
Finally, if you have an air-conditioning unit, make sure that the unit is regularly serviced and that the filters are changed at planned intervals. Legionella can grow in the condensate that collects in air-conditioning units, so it is important to keep the unit clean and free of debris.
By following these simple tips, you can reduce your risk of exposure to Legionella and ensure that your water system is safe for you and your family.
Also note that that legionella grows between temperatures of 20 to 45°C and the most optimum range for proliferation is between 32 and 42°C.
At 50°C most legionella will die within hours.
At 60°C most legionella will be eliminated within minutes and over 70°C, they won`t survive a few seconds.
People can get Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in small droplets of water that contain the bacteria
The Legionnaire disease got its name in 1976 when an outbreak occurred among people attending a convention of the American Legion in Philadelphia. Since then, there have been many outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease, and it is now known that this disease is caused by a bacterium called Legionella pneumophila.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia that can be fatal. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, high fever, and muscle aches. If you develop these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor immediately and let them know if you have been exposed to water droplets.
While Legionnaires’ disease is a serious illness, it is important to remember that it is rare. The vast majority of people who are exposed to Legionella pneumophila will not develop the disease. However, it is still important to take precautions to avoid exposure, especially if you are at increased risk for developing the disease. It is most often seen in people over the age of 50, smokers, and people with weakened immune systems.
Legionnaires’ disease is treated with antibiotics.
If you’re diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, you’ll likely be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are the most effective way to treat the infection and help prevent it from spreading. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary to make sure you get the care you need.
People can prevent Legionnaires’ disease by taking steps to avoid exposure to Legionella bacteria.
As we enter the summer months, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of Legionnaires’ disease. People can prevent Legionnaires’ disease by taking steps to avoid exposure to Legionella bacteria. Some simple precautions include:
- Avoiding stagnant water, including swimming pools that are not properly chlorinated.
- Keeping showerheads and faucets clean.
- Running water for a few minutes before using it.
- Installing filters on showerheads and faucets.
- Disinfecting humidifiers.
Additional Precautionary Measures for Hotels, Guest Houses and Villas
- Ensure that chlorine level in water storage tanks is measured and monitored in real time. Ensure regular calibration of sensors and also make sure of proper circulation of water inside tank to avoid stagnant areas.
- Install Automatic Monitoring and Control Chlorine system on all your swimming pools and ensure regular calibration of sensors.
- Proceed to water tank cleaning and disinfection at least once per year.
- Carry out regular samplings and analysis – for example take samples from different taps on your premises and rooms and make sure you alternate the sampling points on the next sampling date.
- Make sure that the hot water circuits are at a minimum of 60°C. Also carry out daily temperature tests on the hot water from showers at different locations of your premises (better the rooms that are far from your hot water storage tanks). It is important that the water temperature reaches at least 50 °C within one minute.
- When carrying out temperature tests on hot water, also carry out free chlorine tests on the cold water from shower or bathtubs. Ensure that the chlorine concentration lies between 0.5 & 1 mg/l.
- Automatic Monitoring and chlorination of your treated wastewater storage tank is essential. When using the water for irrigation, it will come out in fine droplets from the sprinklers.
- Avoid pipe dead ends on your water circuit.
By taking these simple steps, you can help prevent Legionnaires’ disease.
References:
https://www.wcs-group.co.uk/wcs-blog/temperature-affects-legionella-bacteria-in-water-systems
