What is Legionella Bacteria?

Legionella bacteria is a type of bacteria that thrives in warm and still waters. It can be present in water sources such as showerheads, faucets, jacuzzis, spa tubs, and cooling towers. It doesn’t transfer from one person to another. People with weak immune systems are more susceptible to being exposed to this bacteria and getting sick.

What is Legionnaires’ Disease and How Can People Catch It?

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by a bacteria called “Legionella.” This bacteria likes to grow in warm and still water. The places where Legionnaires’ disease can spread are often in big buildings like hotels, hospitals, and office centers, especially in water systems and air conditioners. The disease spreads through contaminated water sources in tiny water droplets known as aerosols. These sources might include:

Water systems and air conditioners in big buildings like hotels, hospitals, and office centers.
Showers, faucets, jacuzzis, and spa tubs.
Cooling towers and steam humidifiers. The bacteria gets to people through the air when these tiny water droplets are inhaled.

Bacteria can spread to humans through the air in tiny water droplets called aerosols, which are released from these water sources and inhaled.

Signs of Legionnaires’ Disease:

High fever
Shivering
Headache
Shortness of breath and muscle pains
Cough
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea

Preventive Measures for Legionnaires’ Disease:

Regular maintenance, cleaning, and disinfection of plumbing systems: Ensure that places like faucets, showerheads, jacuzzis, and spa tubs in plumbing systems are cleaned and disinfected regularly.
Monitoring and maintaining water temperature between 55°C – 60°C: Make sure that hot water in plumbing systems is above 55°C, and cold water is below 20°C.
Avoiding stagnant water and ensuring continuous water flow: Take necessary steps to prevent stagnant water in plumbing systems.
Caution for individuals with weakened immune systems: People with weak immune systems should be extra careful to minimize the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria.

Reducing the Risk of Legionnaire’s Disease in Installations:

Regular Maintenance and Cleaning of Plumbing Systems: Bacteria can thrive in temperatures between 12-45°C, with the most favorable at 37°C. To combat this, it is recommended to maintain higher water temperatures or employ thermal disinfection methods.
Preventing Water Stagnation and Ensuring Flow: Stagnant water provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth. To counteract this, it’s beneficial to periodically drain water or establish a circulation system in plumbing setups.
Seasonal Vigilance for Hotels: Seasonal establishments, especially during transitions like summer to winter, should be cautious of Legionnaire’s risk during closures. Slow or halted water flow in plumbing systems during these periods can facilitate bacterial growth. As a precaution, seasonal hotels should clean and disinfect plumbing systems using the flushing (*) method before reopening, ensuring water temperature and flow.
Disinfection Methods in Plumbing Systems: Applying disinfection methods such as chlorination, ozonation, copper-silver ionization, and ultraviolet radiation can hinder bacterial growth. However, effectiveness and safety opinions vary, necessitating expert evaluation and dosage determination.
Exclusive Use of New Materials in Installations: Assembling plumbing components from different places can heighten the risk of Legionella transfer and other microorganisms. Therefore, opting for only new and reliable materials in plumbing installations is crucial to minimize Legionnaire’s disease risk and ensure long-term system performance.
Attention to Aerators and Showerheads: Regular maintenance of aerators in faucets and showerhead components is essential. Neglecting their cleaning can result in bacterial aerosol spread, posing respiratory transmission risks. Hence, regular upkeep of these components is vital to mitigate health risks like Legionnaire’s disease.

Before starting the flushing process, make sure to remove faucet heads (aerator) and showerheads. If not removed, sediments and contaminants (muddy water) in the pipes can permanently block the nozzles of aerators and showerheads.
You can use chlorinated water or an appropriate disinfectant solution for disinfection. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a disinfectant solution.
After the disinfection process, rinse aerators and showerheads with clean water.
It is highly recommended for individuals to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the flushing process.