Sherpa Environmental Legionnaireʼs Disease Legionnaireʼs disease symptoms are similar to the symptoms of the flu: • Mild headaches • Muscle pain • High temperature (fever), usually 38C (100.4F) or above • Chills • Tiredness • Changes to your mental state, such as confusion Once the bacteria begins to infect the lungs, symptoms of pneumonia may on occasion also be experienced, such as: • A dry persistent cough - but as the infection develops you may start coughing up phlegm or, even blood • Shortness of breath • Chest pains It usually takes six to seven days between getting the infection and the start of symptoms (known as the incubation period), although it can be any time from 2 to 19 days. If you develop the above symptoms and you are worried that it might be Legionnaires' disease, see your general practitioner. How does Legionnairesʼ disease spread? Legionnairesʼ disease is caused by Legionella bacteria infecting your lungs. It's usually contracted by inhaling small droplets of contaminated water (aerosols). The infection isn't contagious and can't be spread directly from person to person. Large buildings, such as hotels, factories, hospitals, museums, office blocks and universities are more vulnerable to Legionella contamination because they have larger, more complex water supply systems in which the bacteria can quickly spread. Common Causes A poorly maintained shower Galvanised steel domestic cold water tank in an extremely poor condition with heavy sediment to the base and heavy rust, perfect nutrients for bacteria growth. Spa pools need to be maintained and checked regularly as this is regarded as a high risk system. info@sherpaenvironmental.co.uk
CHT December/January 2016
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