Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by legionella bacteria. Initial symptoms include a high fever, muscle pain and chills. Once bacteria infect the lungs, the patient may also develop a persistent cough, chest pains and breathing difficulties.
The bacteria are widely distributed in the environment. They can live in all types of water – including both natural sources (such as rivers and streams), and artificial water sources (such as water towers associated with cooling systems, hot and cold water systems and spa pools). They only become a risk to health when the temperature allows the legionellae to grow rapidly, such as in water systems which are not properly designed, installed and/or maintained.
Legionnaire’s disease is a serious problem and the relevant legislation puts the responsibility firmly on the business owner to tackle the risks thereof.
