Hospitals

Hospital engineers and infection control personnel and those persons in charge of aged care facilities are well aware of the risks associated with the growth of the pathogen Legionella spp. in reticulated water systems.

The threat of institution acquired infection is intensified due to the high percentage of immune-compromised patients receiving care.

Hospital acquired legionnaires' disease has emerged as a major problem and studies indicate potable hot water systems to be the primary source of patient exposure to the Legionella organisms.

Legionella is found in virtually all natural aquatic environments, such as lakes, rivers and streams, and man made habitats including cooling towers, evaporative condensers, hydrotherapy pools, spas and domestic water distribution systems.

Until recently, hospital engineering and infection control personnel were usually concerned about the risk of acquiring Legionella spp. from the cooling towers of air-conditioning systems. Though these are a potential threat, current research indicates that potable water systems, particularly tepid water systems are the most likely reservoir for the growth of Legionella spp. and pose the greatest threat to building occupants. Virtually all hospital outbreaks of

Legionnaires' disease occurring since 1982 have implicated water distribution systems rather than air conditioning cooling towers. Research indicates that Legionella is transmitted through aspiration via aerosol or by direct exposure during respiratory tract manipulation.

Transplant patients, the elderly, smokers, chronic lung disease patients and other immune-suppressed patients are at highest risk.

Legionella monitoring in hospitals and nursing homes should include areas such as; cooling towers, evaporative condensers, spas, showers, hydrotherapy pools, humidifiers, potable water, water features and any other area that may cause water to be sprayed or create an aerosol mist. Cogent Partners have specifically designed Legionella risk management procedures for health care centers and hospitals.