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Legionnaire’s disease
.:
“Legionnaire’s
disease” acquired
its name when it struck 221 participants at the
1976 meeting of the American Legion in
The only known means of contamination is aerial (inhalation of water contaminated by Legionella bacteria). Legionella bacteria spread and multiply in the alveolar macrophages causing their destruction.
The
major sources of contamination
are
the
cooling towers,
air-conditioning,
jet
bath,
whirlpool
spas (Jacuzzi),
water
cooling dispensers,
ornamental fountains,
showers,
etc. …
Some
of the factors, which help Legionella spread in the water, are
water temperature in the range of 68°F to 113°F, presence of amoebas,
water stagnation and the presence of bio films.
Legionella pneumophila
.: It takes between two to ten days after contamination for a severe pneumonia to develop. When there is a favourable evolution, subsidence occurs between the eighth and twelfth day (8th and 12th); otherwise death might occur around the seventh or eighth (7th or 8th) day.
Treatment
consists in taking adapted antibiotics.
.:
All
new cases of Legionnaire’s disease
receive wide media coverage, and the media do not hesitate to finger
the institutions where these contaminations occurred. Victims and their
families are organized in defence associations.
We
help the exposed institutions (health institutions, hotels, other
institutions open to the public) to manage this risk. We work on a
technical diagnostic of water networks and water treatment systems. We
also prepare maintenance and upkeep protocols in conformity with Norm ISO
14001. Our Laboratory accredited by COFRAC (French Accreditation
Committee), benefits from worldwide recognition, doing water sampling,
research and identification of Legionella.
Contact : Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.