What is Legionella?

Legionella bacteria are found naturally in the environment. It is commonly found in freshwater, but can become a health risk when it grows and spreads inside municipal water systems, buildings, manufacturing facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, condominiums, homes, and any type of structure that has a plumbing system and exposure to water.

How does Legionella spread?

People most often get sick when they breathe in tiny droplets (mist or aerosol) that contain the Legionella bacteria. This is why outbreaks are commonly linked to devices and building systems that create or circulate water mist, such as showers, fountains, hot tubs, faucets, water cooling towers, etc. The illness associated with Legionella exposure is Legionnaires’ disease.

Where does Legionella grow in facilities?

Legionella can grow in water systems that are not proactively mitigated for Legionella, or contain biofilm, have low disinfectant levels, or have low or no water movement (stagnant water). Temperature also plays a role in Legionella growth. For example, water systems that are between 68 degrees and 122 degrees Fahrenheit are optimal for Legionella growth.

Places where Legionella can be spread include:

• Cooling towers and parts of large building cooling systems
• Hot tubs, spas, and jetted tubs
• Showers, faucets, and other fixtures that create a spray
• Humidifiers, misters, and certain respiratory equipment, if used improperly
• Decorative fountains and complex building plumbing systems

What illnesses can Legionella cause?

Legionnaires’ disease

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Symptoms usually begin within about 2 to 14 days after exposure, but they can sometimes start later.

Common symptoms include:

• Cough
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Muscle aches

How do I confirm my facility has Legionella?

To confirm that your facility has Legionella, testing is needed. Get rapid Legionella test results. If Legionella is present, contact independent experts for remediation.

Prevention

Public health guidance emphasizes reducing the risk of Legionella growth and spread. For most buildings, a structured water management plan is necessary, and a Legionella Dominator™ water softener should be considered.

Learn more about Legionella Testing and Remediation

Contact us to learn about how to get Legionella testing, Legionella root cause analysis, Legionella remediation, and the next steps solve your Legionella outbreak.