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Legionella is a genus of bacteria that can cause a serious respiratory infection called Legionnaires' disease. The bacteria are found in warm water, such as in hot tubs, cooling towers, and large plumbing systems. People can become infected by breathing in mist or vapour that contains the bacteria.
Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease
The symptoms of Legionnaires' disease typically start 2-10 days after exposure to the bacteria. They include:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Muscle aches
Headache
Confusion
Diarrhoea
Diagnosis and treatment of Legionnaires' disease
Legionnaires' disease can be diagnosed by a blood test or a urine test. The bacteria can also be cultured from respiratory secretions. Treatment for Legionnaires' disease is with antibiotics.
Prevention of Legionnaires' disease
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent Legionnaires' disease, including:
Keeping hot tubs and spas at a temperature of 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit
Cleaning and maintaining cooling towers and large plumbing systems
Avoiding showering in hot tubs or spas that are not properly maintained
Complications of Legionnaires' disease
Legionnaires' disease can be a serious infection, and some people may develop complications, such as:
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Heart failure
Kidney failure
Meningitis
Death
Current status of Legionnaires' disease
The incidence of Legionnaires' disease has been increasing in recent years. Despite 503 confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease in 2019 (according to Public Health England), research has estimated there are 4000 to 600 cases of Legionnaires' disease every year. The disease is more common in the summer and early autumn when the water temperature is warmer.
Risk factors for Legionnaires' disease
The risk of developing Legionnaires' disease is increased in people who are:
Older than 65 years old
Smokers
People with chronic lung disease
People with weakened immune systems
How to protect yourself from Legionnaires' disease
There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from Legionnaires' disease, including:
Avoid showering in hot tubs or spas that are not properly maintained.
Keep hot tubs and spas at a temperature of 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Clean and maintain cooling towers and large plumbing systems.
If you are at high risk for Legionnaires' disease, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.
If you would like to have a water check on your property, please Contact Bullseye Services now.
For more information on Bullseye Services and how we can help you please visit: bullseyeservices.co.uk.
For further advice on Legionella please visit: https://www.bullseyeservices.co.uk
Contact
Our website and brochure combined should provide you with all the information you need however if you do require further information, there's a quick and easy contact form on our website and, of course, you are more than welcome to use the more traditional ways to contact us.
