Legionella (Legionella pneumophila) - a rod-shaped bacteria that thrives in central heating and air conditioning systems which causes Legionnaires’ disease
Legionellosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila. The disease has two distinct forms:
Legionnaires’ disease which is a sever respiratory infection which includes pneumonia. The bacteria grows in sources of potable water, such as hot water heaters. This bacteria survives in water temperatures less than 140 degrees and can be contracted through inhalation. Symptoms to this non-contagious disease begin with coughing, fever, chills, headaches and muscle aches. Some victims develop pneumonia which may lead to death.
Pontiac fever, a milder illness then Legionnaires’ disease. Symptoms of usually last for 2 to 5 days and may also include fever, headaches, and muscle aches; however, there is no pneumonia. Symptoms go away on their own without treatment and without causing further problems.
These illnesses, either together or separately, may be called “Legionellosis”.
What are the symptoms of Legionnaires' disease?
The incubation period of Legionnaires' disease is from two to ten days; this is the time between exposure and when symptoms begin to appear. The initial symptom is fatigue. A high fever is also a very common symptom (103°F) and a cough can be the first sign of a lung infection. The cough may become more severe and cause sputum production (coughed up mucous). Gastrointestinal stomach symptoms are common with diarrhea being the most distinctive symptom. Many patients have nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort. Other common symptoms include headaches, muscle aches, chest pain, and shortness of breath. . In up to 5% to 30% of cases, Legionnaires' disease can be very serious and can cause death. Antibiotics, drugs that kill bacteria in the body, can treat most cases and healthy people usually have a successful recovery from the infection.
How do I prevent it?
Many experts, such as your pediatrician or in-home contractor, suggest turning your hot water heater down to temperatures that prevent scalding (120 degrees F or less); however, create a perfect climate for the Legionella bacteria. Installing devices at your water heater, such as a thermostatic mixing valve, can help you find that happy-medium. Designed to prevent scalding, thermostatic mixing valves store your hot water at Legionella-safe temperature of 140 degrees F, yet ensures water to baths, showers and sinks are safe at the faucet.
(19)“CDC” Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases. Home Page. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. 12 Oct. 2005 http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/legionellosis_g.htm
(21) Legionella. Legionella 2003. An updated and statement by the Association of Water Technologies. June 2003. http://www.awt.org/Legionella03.pdf
(22)Ackroyd, R. (2001). 25 years and 125,000 scalds. Retrieved July 28, 2005, from Innovative Valves, Faucets and Plumbing Specialties Web site: http://www.pmengineer.com/CDA.