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They may enter man-made systems where conditions often allow them to multiply. If water droplets are created and transmitted by such a system then people in the vicinity may be at risk. Legionellosis is the infection transmitted by inhaling aerosols containing Legionellae. Common sources include shower-heads, fountains, spa-baths, air handling units and cooling towers. The Health & Safety Commission has published an Approved Code of Practice, which provides guidelines for the prevention or control of Legionellosis. Efforts made towards controlling and minimising the risk of infection are most effective when accompanied by monitoring for the presence of the organism. A UKAS accredited test is offered for the detection and enumeration of Legionella sp. with biochemical confirmation for Legionella pneumophila. Advice and assistance are available from our Building Services Department, including chlorination to eliminate infestation. What is Legionnaires' disease? A potentially life-threatening pneumonia caused by inhaling airborne Legionella pneumophila bacterium and other related bacteria. Where do Legionella bacteria come from? Found naturally in environmental water sources but within a building can colonise manufactured water systems and be found in cooling tower systems, hot and cold water systems, condensers and spa pools and other plant which use or store water. How is Legionnaires' disease contracted? Infection is normally through breathing-in moist air contaminated by Legionella bacteria, deep into the lungs. Who is most at risk from infection by Legionella? Those middle-aged and older, smokers, heavy drinkers, people with respiratory diseases or those with impaired immunity. What are the symptoms of Legionnaires' disease? Typical symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pains, difficulties in breathing, coughs, diarrhoea, vomiting and mental confusion. The first known outbreak of Legionnaires` Disease was at a convention for ex-service personnel in Philadelphia USA, in 1976. A total of 221 people contracted the disease and 34 died. Most of those that died were Legionnaires and that's how the disease got it's name. Domestic Air Coolers Legionnaires` Disease, undiscovered till 1976, has highlighted the need to keep air conditioners clean. Though domestic air conditioners have never been found to cause Legionnaires Disease, two types of domestic systems, ducted and mobile, which use water as a coolant, can provide ideal conditions for the organism to multiply. For this reason the West Australian Health Department now advises that evaporative air coolers, commonly used in smaller commercial premises and in homes, should also be cleaned regularly. One popular type of air-conditioner does not need cleaning. The window-type, which uses refrigerated air instead of evaporated water, cannot collect the bacteria and therefore presents no risk of Legionnaires Disease. A Common Organism The organism is so common that many Australians, roughly a third according to several independent tests, have antibodies in their blood. This indicates contact with the organism at some stage in their lives, though without showing any obvious symptoms. In its own habitat it is not known to be harmful to humans. It is only when it is found in man made situations that the bacteria can multiply in large quantities and become dangerous (only if the bacteria is breathed into the lungs). If inhaled, the bacteria may cause infection. The disease is not transmitted from person to person. Legionnaires disease does not occur from drinking contaminated water. Legionella pneumophila Pseudonomas aeruginosa There are other illnesses that should be mentioned which are Pontiac Fever, Humidifier Fever and Hypersensitivity Pneumontitis. History of Outbreaks In 1976 an outbreak in Philadelphia USA, infected 221 individuals and killing 34. The pneumonia-like disease was traced to an air conditioning system.
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