Legionellosis is a collective term for diseases caused by legionella bacteria including the most serious Legionnaires' disease, as well as the similar but less serious conditions of Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever. Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia and everyone is susceptible to infection. On this page you'll find out everything you need to know about Legionnaires' Disease, including what it is, the regulation behind it and out solution to combatting it.
The disease is contracted by the deep inhalation of small contaminated water droplets known as aerosols or droplet nuclei which are the particles remaining after water has evaporated.
Aerosols can be created by water systems which generate a spray such as showers, decorative fountains, jacuzzis, spa pools, sprinkler systems and evaporative cooling towers to name but a few.
There are no recorded cases of person to person spread of the bacteria.
Legionella can affect anyone but those listed below are deemed more susceptible:
- Over 45 years of age
- Chronic respiratory or kidney disease Diabetes, lung and heart disease
- Smokers and heavy drinkers
- Anyone with an impaired immune system Male (men are more susceptible than women)
It is estimated that infection with the bacteria is fatal in approximately 12% of reported cases. Not everyone exposed to the bacteria will develop symptoms of the disease but those that do may experience flu like symptoms. There are no recorded cases of person to person spread of the bacteria.
Legionella bacteria are present in the natural environment and can be found in both man-made and natural water systems such as lakes, rivers, reservoirs and soil. As the bacteria is naturally occurring, it may be present in the mains water supply to your building (typically in low numbers) and therefore may eventually colonise artificial water systems such as cooling towers, domestic hot and cold water systems and any other systems which could support multiplication of the bacteria.
Legionella bacteria can survive under a wide range of environmental conditions and have been detected in water at temperatures between 6°C and 60°C; however, temperatures between 20°C and 45°C appear to favour growth.