Protecting Your System and Your Staff From Legionella

Legionnaires' disease is dangerous and has the potential to be fatal. Make sure that you understand the risks, and more importantly, have testing and a plan in place to protect your facility and your staff. This article discusses what Legionnaires' disease is, the types of people that are at high risk as well as how to manage Legionella using ASHRAE Standard 188.

Since the time Legionnaires' disease was first encountered by US health agencies over 24 years ago, this disease has continued to be in the forefront as a control issue for water treatment companies worldwide. Legionella are rod-shaped, gram negative aerobic organisms that are widespread and commonly present in both natural and man-made aquatic environments.

Legionellosis is the term used for infections caused by the inhalation of airborne water droplets containing Legionella pneumophila bacteria, which are small enough to pass deep into the lungs. While there are over 40 identified species of Legionella bacteria, there are two clinical forms of Legionella: Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac Fever.

Legionnaires' disease (LD) is a severe non-communicable respiratory infection that can lead to serious complications. Although Legionnaires' disease can be fatal, it can be successfully treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early enough. Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease resemble other bacterial pneumonias, making diagnosis and treatment difficult. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that between 8,000 and 18,000 cases occur each year with a fatality rate estimated at 10%; although for high risk people the fatality rate can be much higher...Read the Complete Article Here.

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