What is Legionellosis, or Legionnaires disease?
The bacteria Legionella is the cause of the dangerous and occasionally lethal form of pneumonia known as Legionnaires' disease (Legionellosis).
Although not all cases of Legionnaires’ disease are severe, up to ten per cent of cases can be fatal.
There are over forty strains of Legionella bacteria but only a few cause disease in humans.
The strains that are most commonly associated with human disease are pneumophila and longbeachae.
What signs of the disease legionnaires'?
The symptoms are generally comparable to those of a serious "flu" infection and include fever, headaches (which are frequently severe), dyspnea, aches and pains in the muscles, and occasionally a dry cough. It takes two to ten days after contracting Legionella bacterium for symptoms to manifest. Most of the time, symptoms appear five or six days later.
How is Legionnaires' illness contracted?
Legionella bacteria are naturally occurring environmental microorganisms that like warm, moist environments and warm water. They are frequently discovered in potting mix, soil, and water bodies. Legionnaires' illness is typically contracted by breathing in Legionella bacteria found in extremely tiny water droplets known as aerosols. Sometimes, settings created by man-made water systems allow Legionella to
Who is susceptible to the disease Legionnaires'?
Most persons who come into contact with Legionella germs do not get sick. As people age, their risk of disease increases, particularly for smokers. Individuals who have long-term medical illnesses (such as cancer, lung disease, diabetes, and organ transplant recipients) that compromise their immune systems may be more susceptible to contracting Legionnaires' disease.
How is the illness identified?
There are three primary methods for identifying Legionnaires' disease in patients who have previously shown signs of the illness. Sputum tests, blood tests (which require two tests spaced more than four weeks apart), and urine tests are these. Testing has no purpose unless you are ill.
Is there a treatment for it?
Yes, inpatient treatment is required for the majority of patients with legionnaires' illness.
Can one avoid contracting legionnaires' disease?
There are steps that can be taken to lower the chance of transmission, but there is presently no vaccination available to prevent Legionnaires' illness. It is legally mandated for property owners to perform routine maintenance on cooling towers, public spa pools, and warm water systems (such as those found in hospitals) in order to lower the danger of Legionella contamination and spread.
The Legionella Control Association
As a provider of goods and services related to the management and control of legionella bacteria in water systems, Aquaguard is a member of the Legionella Control Association (LCA).
Member of the LCA
As LCA members, we offer a range of registered services including risk assessment, water treatment, monitoring, inspection, cleaning, disinfection, consultation, instruction, and analytical services for Legionella.
SAMPLING & ASSESSMENT
We take samples of water and residue from damp areas where potential bacteria and bugs, especially Legionella may be found which could lead to public health / disease outbreaks.
BACTERIAL ANALYSIS
We analyse all the samples in our laboratory and report on the findings in full detail of the current and potential areas of concern or affect your regulatory requirements.
RESOLUTION & CERTIFICATION
From the results, an action plan is produced which could be a one-off solution or a maintained operation to ensure high standards of water quality and health & safety regulations.