Legionnaires Disease

Legionnaires' disease, a pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacterium, is the leading cause of reported waterborne disease outbreaks in the United States. Legionella occur naturally in water from many different environmental sources, but grow rapidly in the warm, stagnant conditions that can be found in engineered water systems such as cooling towers, building plumbing, and hot tubs. Humans are primarily exposed to Legionella through inhalation of contaminated aerosols into the respiratory system. Legionnaires' disease can be fatal, with between 3 and 33 percent of Legionella infections leading to death, and studies show the incidence of Legionnaires' disease in the United States increased five-fold from 2000 to 2017. Management of Legionella in Water Systems reviews the state of science on Legionella contamination of water systems, specifically the ecology and diagnosis. This report explores the process of transmission via water systems, quantification, prevention and control, and policy and training issues that affect the incidence of Legionnaires' disease. It also analyzes existing knowledge gaps and recommends research priorities moving forward.

Legionnaires' Disease : The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems

Discusses the history, symptoms, and treatment of the type of pneumonia known as legionnaires' disease.

These checklists were developed to accompany a video on the subject of Legionnaire's disease (SB: 10700). They are designed to be used by the responsible person to audit arrangements in place in premises to control legionella in water systems. The checklists are intended to audit the risk assessment process and take the responsible person through the recommended measures in the Approved Code of Practice and guidance on the control of legionella bacteria in water systems, so they can audit the arrangements in place. They do not give guidance but are intended to supplement the guidance available. A copy of the checklists will accompany the video. They are also available in priced packs.