Legionella 101
What is Legionnaires' Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of bacterial pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila, and occasionally by other species of Legionella. To contract Legionnaires' disease, two conditions must be met:
- A person encounters a device like a sink, shower, CPAP machine, or humidifier that contains growth of Legionella bacteria.
- Water droplets from that device are able to get into the lungs, like the mist from a shower.
Legionnaires' disease is particularly dangerous for the vulnerable, immunocompromised population. However, any person can contract it with the above conditions. People cannot develop Legionnaires’ disease from person-to-person contact. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches.
What do I need to know?
What do I need to do?
The best way to prevent Legionella growth and a subsequent outbreak in your building is to:
- Have a comprehensive Water Management Plan that identifies the areas in your building that are most vulnerable and susceptible to Legionella growth.
- Have a routine testing schedule.
- Have a company like IWC Innovations, who:
- Handles the testing for you.
- Interprets the testing results.
- Offers recommendations to ensure that you are always minimizing your risk of a Legionella outbreak.
