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My AccountLegionella is a type of bacteria, (not a virus) that causes respiratory infection in humans. Types of infections include Lochgoilhead fever, Pontiac fever and Legionnaires' disease. Any infection that is caused by the Legionella bacteria strain is referred to as 'legionellosis'.
What are the Health Risks of Legionellosis?
Both Lochgoilhead and Pontiac fevers are flu-like illnesses that are non-fatal. But Legionnaires' disease, which is similar to pneumonia, is fatal in approximately 12% of cases.
Legionnaire's disease first hit the headlines back in 1976 when an outbreak of the illness occurred at the American Legion Convention in Philadelphia. 221 people were infected during the outbreak, of which 34 people lost their lives.
In the UK, there have been 345 cases of Legionnaires' disease in 2016. This figure is much higher in the USA, with 718 reported cases in a single year.
It was found that Legionnaires' disease is commonly caused by the bacterium strain Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1.
Related Learning: Health and Safety in the Workplace (QCF) Level 1
Who is At Most Risk of Being Infected?
According to HSE (Health and Safety Executive), everyone is susceptible to infection, but the risk of infection increases with age. The following people fall under the higher risk category:
- Anyone who has an impaired immune system
- Those who have diabetes, lung or heart disease
- Smokers and heavy drinkers
- Individuals over the age of 45
- People who suffer from chronic respiratory or kidney disease
This is the reason why care homes and hospitals need to be extremely vigilant.
Plus, according to Assurity Consulting, men are three times more susceptible than women in contracting a legionella infection.
Related Learning: Health and Safety in the Workplace (QCF) Level 2
Where Can Legionella Be Found?
The Legionella bacteria can be found in natural water sources including lakes, rivers, ponds and reservoirs, but they're normally in low numbers. They can also be found in man-made water systems such as spa pools, cooling towers, hot and cold water systems and evaporative condensers.
How Do People Contract Legionellosis?
Legionellosis can only be contracted through the inhalation of tiny water particles (known as aerosols) which are contaminated with the Legionella bacteria. These aerosols can be produced in waters system that creates sprays such as spas, decorative fountains, jacuzzis, showers and cooling towers.
There have been no reported cases of the infection being spread through person-to-person.
According to the World Health Organisation, typical symptoms of the non-pneumonic form of legionellosis (Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever) include chills, high temperature, headache, malaise and muscle pain. As for Legionnaires' disease, initial symptoms include loss of appetite, fever, headache, malaise and lethargy. Some patients of Legionnaires' disease have also presented blood-streaked phlegm when coughing.
Related Learning: Health and Safety in the Workplace (QCF) Level 3
What Are The Conditions That Enable Legionella to Grow?
The Legionella bacteria grows best in temperatures ranging between 20oC to 40oC. They're killed off at temperatures above 60oC, and they do not multiply above 50oC. They also don't multiply below 20oC but remain dormant until the temperature rises above 20oC.
Besides temperature conditions, the Legionella bacteria also require nutrients to grow and multiply. The bacteria can find these nutrients from common water organisms such as algae and protozoa, sludge and other sediments.
What to Do if Legionella is Found in Your Building?
Since the nature of the legionella bacteria is quite widespread, there is a likelihood that it will enter your building's water system, albeit in low numbers. And unfortunately, there is not much you can do to prevent the bacteria from entering your building's water system.
But by carrying out regular risk assessments, and controlling the conditions, as noted above, you will prevent the growth of the bacteria. And minimise the risk of an outbreak occurring.
Failure to manage the risk of legionella properly can result in a warning, a fine or even be found guilty of corporate manslaughter.
Not Sure If Your Knowledge of Legionella is Sufficient?
Considering the seriousness of legionella, making sure you have sufficient knowledge of the bacteria and practical tips to mitigate the risk is paramount.
Here at The Learning Station, we deliver an online half day Legionella Awareness Training Course. On completion of this course, you will have the competence to carry out risk assessments and manage the facilities confidently. You will also become familiar with the nature of the bacteria itself as well as having a good understanding of the laws and compliance associated with Legionella.
And since it is an e-learning course, you can complete it wherever you are in the UK. However, if you wish to complete the course in our training centre in London, you're more than welcome to.
For more information, please get in touch with us via our contact us page, or call our main training centre on 020 8342 7210.