Legionella and Legionnaires Disease are micro bacteria that can be fatal in people with weakened or immunosuppressed systems, older people, smokers and those suffering from debilitating illnesses or sever chest complaints.
The bacteria responsible, Legionella pneumophila can be found in small quantities, occurring naturally in water sources such as lakes, rivers and reservoirs. It can also be present in the cooling towers of air-conditioning systems, evaporation condensers and whirlpool spas.
SEVERS DISEASE
If the right environmental conditions are created then the Legionella bacteria will multiply and may reach dangerous levels. This increase in the Legionella bacteria can lead to epidemics and risk of susceptible people contracting Legionnaires Disease.
The first recognised case of Legionnaires disease happened in 1976 in Philadelphia when a mysterious outbreak of flu resulted in 221 members attending a meeting of the American Legion catching sever pneumonia and causing 34 deaths.
It has been found that men, particularly those that are middle aged or older, are more likely to contract Legionnaires Disease than women and that smokers or people with chest problems are also more at risk.
How do People catch Legionella?
The Legionella pneumophila bacteria are typically inhaled when suspended in tiny droplets of water and so enter the lungs. The incubation time for the disease normally takes two weeks and initially results in flu like symptoms, fever, chills and a dry cough. During the more advanced stages it can cause gastrointestinal problems, a breakdown in the nervous system and diarrhea, leading to the onset of pneumonia.
The conditions that make the Legionella bacteria more numerous are when water temperatures are between 20 and 45∞C. Areas where the bacteria have a natural source of nutrients such as rust, algae, sludge or organic matter on which it can feed. The spread of the disease also needs some form of dispensing system that can create a fine mist of water droplets like a water spa, cooling tower or swimming pool.
The majority of people who contract Legionnaires Disease do not fall ill and suffer no ill effects. The disease is also not spread between people directly and can only be circulated by devices like air-conditioning or central heating systems. It is for this reason that elderly residents living in nursing homes, attending care centres and hospitals can all provide high-risk areas. For this reason great care and attention particularly needs to be paid to water systems in these types of premises.
What Is Legionella? SEVERS DISEASE
No comments:
Post a Comment