Why it is Important to Swab Water Outlets for Legionella Bacteria
Legionella bacteria is a naturally occurring bacteria in nature which lives freely in streams, rivers, and reservoirs in low numbers. However, when it enters the built environment, where it can thrive and grow, it can become a risk to health and put our lives at risk.
What illness can Legionella cause?
Legionella bacteria has around 60 different species but just over a 3rd of these cause human disease. The Legionella species that causes most disease is called Legionella pneumophila. This particular Legionella bacteria can cause a serious form of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease, and a less serious flu-like illness called Pontiac Fever.
Legionella pneumophila has several serogroups, these are “variants” of the bacteria. Serogroup 1 is the leading cause of Legionnaires’ disease across the world, causing over 90%1 of outbreaks.
Legionnaires’ disease caught in the community has a death rate of ~10%2 and for those who recover can suffer long term health effects as a result, including muscle impairment, fatigue, and PTSD. In fact 7 out 8 survivors of Legionnaires’ disease suffer with these long-lasting impacts3.
How does Legionella bacteria become a risk?
Water systems in built environments provide the perfect habitat for Legionella bacteria as the water temperatures are often between 20 and 45 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for encouraging the bacteria to grow and multiply.
They especially like to grow in slimy biofilms which form on any surface including; the insides of pipes, taps, shower heads and hot tubs.
Water that is infected with Legionella pneumophila can become a risk when you breathe in tiny water droplets containing the bacteria. These droplets are released into the air by water mist or aerosols created by things like fountains, showers, taps, hot tubs and splashing around in a swimming pool.
How can that risk be managed?
Ensuring water facilities are free from dangerous levels of Legionella pneumophila by testing water outlets regularly is the best way to make sure anyone using those facilities are better protected.
“Prevention is better than cure” as the saying goes.
The HydroHawk easy-to-use swab test gives fast, reliable results in just 25 minutes, and can help to ensure the safety of your water systems at home or on the go. The kit contains everything you need to carry out 1 test. You can find out more about how to swab your outlets here.
You are safer with HydroHawk, the rapid swab test for the detection of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1.
Sources:
1. https://bit.ly/455JfJe
2. https://bit.ly/3VEVHMe
3. https://bit.ly/46LfsGA
Legionella Bacteria Key Stats
