What is Legionella and how can it pose a risk to you or your business?
Legionella is a type of aerobic bacteria that can cause multiple diseases including the most serious ‘’Legionnaires’ disease’’. it can also cause similar, but less serious conditions of Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever. Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. Everyone is at risk of infection. The risk increases with age but some people are at higher risk including:
- smokers and heavy drinkers
- people suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease
- diabetes, lung and heart disease
- anyone with an impaired immune system
Legionnaires’ disease, also known as legionellosis, is a form of atypical pneumonia caused by any type of Legionella bacteria. Signs and symptoms include a cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle pains, and headaches. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea may also occur. This often begins 2–10 days after exposure.
Risk factors for infection include older age, a history of smoking, chronic lung disease, and poor immune function. Those with severe pneumonia and those with pneumonia and recent travel history should be tested for the disease. Diagnosis is by a urinary antigen test and sputum culture.
No vaccine is available and prevention depends on good maintenance of water systems.
Treatment of Legionnaires’ disease is with antibiotics. Hospitalisation is often required and around 10% of those who are infected by the bacteria die.
Sources
The bacterium is found naturally in fresh water, however it can contaminate:
- hot & cold water storage tanks
- hot tubs
- cooling towers
- large air conditioners
Usually spread by breathing in mist that contains the bacteria.
As an employer, or a person in control of the premises, YOU are responsible for health and safety and need to take the right precautions to reduce the risks of exposure to legionella. You must understand how to:
Here at EDRL, we are able to provide City & Guilds standard Legionella risk assessments to clients ranging from Landlords with rented properties and Hotels & Guest Houses, to Caravan Parks and Shops & Retail premises.
Please follow the link to find out the full Government info on the control of Legionella and the risks of Legionnaires Decease.
To find out the costs and the best way of controlling the risk of Legionella to your business or premises please give us a call to see what we can off you today.
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