UNDERSTAND AND REDUCE THE RISK OF LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE BEFORE RE-OCCUPANCY

 

Introduction

Most facilities have been non-operational due to lockdown and health measures taken to flatten the curve of the Covid19 pandemic. There is a huge number of schools, hotels and some corporate buildings that have been vacated globally and the water systems dormant.

Water storage tanks currently hold water that has been untouched for weeks if not months.

Facilities that are set to reopen should be mindful of microbial hazards that are likely to occur if not checked.

Building owners and occupants are advised to engage water lab managers to sample water for potentially harmful microbes.

One major health risk that has been flagged recently is the spread of Legionnaires’ Disease.

 

What is Legionnaires’ Disease?

It is a severe type of pneumonia that is caused by the aerobic bacterium known as legionella pneumophila mostly found in water storage and distribution systems.

Source: WebMD.com

How Does One get Infected?

The bacteria are transmitted when contaminated water is aerosolized or in droplets small enough to be inhaled. The higher the level of concentration of the bacteria in water, the higher the risk of infection. There’s a higher chance of the growth of the bacteria as water stored in water distribution systems lays dormant. It can also spread in the form of mist through air conditioners.

The bacterial attacks only the lungs. You are more prone to get infected by inhaling or choking (aspiration) on the contaminated water. People who are susceptible to the infection are those over 50 years, smokers and with underlying health conditions.

 

Is Treatment Available for Legionnaires’ Disease?

Legionnaires’ Disease, if confirmed early, can be treated by specific antibiotics if administered promptly as it has a high fatality rate. It is recommended you get diagnosed early and start treatment to avoid complications. There is no vaccine for Legionnaires’ disease, and antibiotic prophylaxis is not effective. Consultation with an infectious disease specialist is advised.

 

Industries Role to Protect the Community from Legionella Pneumophila

Every industry is expected to perform water testing to ensure high standards of water quality. Creating and effectively running a water management plan is a good insurance to reduce the odds of the Legionnaires’ Disease. Low levels of Legionella pneumophila can be present even in a well-run system that meets all standards for water-quality. It becomes a health risk when the bacteria find conditions conducive to their growth, multiply and then become aerosolized.

The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Legionella Infections – ESGLI provides guidance for managing legionella in building water systems during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Cleanearth Recommendations

Water Testing

For detection of L. Pneumophila, we recommend the use of Legiolert (Product of IDEXX). The Legiolert test delivers definitive culture results up to 7 days faster and with equal or greater accuracy than traditional culture methods without additional confirmation steps. It has an easy to use platform that significantly reduces laboratory workflow. This test is based on a bacterial enzyme detection technology that signals the presence of Legionella pneumophila through the utilization of a substrate present in the Legiolert reagent.

Water Treatment

With indications from the water testing conducted, you can take an informed and actionable decision to ensure your drinking water, wastewater and industrial water processes are safe and running efficiently. It is recommended that you carry out a full water system disinfection process, flush out and refill water systems.

Depending on the level of contamination, there are several options for treating water for public or industrial use. Water chlorination, chloramination and UV disinfection are trusted processes of water disinfection.

Consult our water treatment specialist for assistance with building a reliable and customized water treatment and management plan.

Cleanearth has a wide range of analytical methods and instrumentation to support your water quality needs.

Check out related water quality products here.

 

 

Author: Pheby Mahoney