Though the frequency of people coming into the clutches of Legionnaire’s diseases has reduced in the recent past, the illness continues to plague those exposed to bacterial pneumonia infection or water systems ridden with hard-to-eradicate Legionella bacteria. The diseases caused by the contamination of water systems by Legionella bacteria are quite dreaded worldwide and are best nipped in the bud.
How can you Contact Legionnaire’s Disease?
Legionnaire’s disease is defined as a bacterial pneumonia infection which can be contacted by people who have managed to inhale or consume droplets or aerosols infested with Legionella bacteria, mostly by accident. Older people, and especially those who are suffering from respiratory disorders, often fall prey to this disease. People prone to taking steam baths or bathing with hot water regularly are also prone to ailments caused by Legionella bacteria. Overall, the disease is proven to be quite harmful for the elderly population, patients and others in the high health-risk bracket.
More about the Legionella Bacteria
The Legionella specie, a particularly harmful type of bacteria, is responsible for people contacting the avoidable Legionnaire’s disease. This kind of bacteria grows and nourishes itself in lukewarm water systems. Also, found in pipes and equipment that have hot or warm water passing through them on a regular basis, Legionella bacteria has to be controlled before spreading to avoid grave health issues. This bacterial species is also found in commercial water systems in public places, offices, work places, etc. Some of the common places that require Legionella water testing are mentioned hereunder:
- The hot water systems at homes: The water distribution systems comprising of hot water cylinders, calorifiers, showers, taps, baths, wash basin taps, etc. are to be tested and treated for Legionella on a regular basis. As these fixtures in water systems contain thermostats and sediments alike, they are the best places for this kind of bacteria to create their habitat.
- Cleaners and kitchen sinks in residential and commercial spaces: Various kinds of bacteria are known to thrive in these fixtures as they contain the elements needed for their breeding purposes. They have to be tested for Legionella intermittently.
- Spa, swimming pool or Jacuzzi: These days, it is common for homes to have a spa, swimming pool or Jacuzzi to provide adequate relaxation when needed. However, these fixtures serve as active breeding grounds for Legionella bacteria because of their ideal temperature levels.
Along with the places mentioned above, care homes and nursing centres are other important areas that have to be tested for Legionella bacteria on a consistent basis as they house people with lower resistance to diseases. You may want to explore more about regular Legionella testing techniques testing aids propagated by Aquacert on https://www.aquacert.co.uk/