| Legionella are bacteria whose reproduction
is especially favored in warm water of temperatures between
20 and 45° C. The growth of legionella is promoted by
inadequate water flow, such as in water stagnation in pipes
that are only seldom used. Legionella are also present on
the inner linings of water pipes or on other surfaces in contact
with water, so-called "biofilms". When humans inhale
finely dispersed droplets, known as aerosols, containing legionella,
this can trigger what is called "Pontiac fever".
Its symptoms are similar to the flu. In some cases it can
lead to so-called Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form
of pneumonia which can be fatal if untreated. In large
and very branched-out water distribution plants, the risk
of legionella settlement is higher than in detached homes
since there are more low-flow niches where legionella can
accumulate and proliferate. This is why legionella problems
are more common in large buildings such as hospitals, hotels,
swimming pools, flat blocks, industrial plants or administrative
buildings.
Legionella can be found in pool water at public pools,
especially if the water temperature is warmer than 23°
C and the pool fittings favor the formation of aerosols.
These potentially legionella-loaded aerosols are particularly
conducive to infection.
NETHERLANDS: June 27, 2003
AMSTERDAM
- The Dutch Government said it will introduce stricter
regulations after it found that more than 40 percent
of swimming pools in the Netherlands were contaminated
with Legionella bacteria .The investigation also found
Legionella in nine percent of the 96 hotel swimming
pools that were included in the investigation. |
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