Legionella Consulting

Legionella is a waterborne bacterium that causes legionellosis. Legionellosis refers to all diseases caused by Legionella bacteria and includes the pneumonia-like illness called Legionnaires’ disease.

Legionella bacteria can be found outdoors naturally in any freshwater environments but becomes a health concern when identified indoors; particularly in potable water distribution systems and HVAC cooling components.

Common symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease include tiredness, muscle pain and headache. Other symptoms could include, but are not limited to nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, cough and breathing difficulties.

Legionella is generally identified in rarely used potable water systems, such as when a building or specific part of a building is not used for an extended period of time. It can also be found in HVAC systems where maintenance and cleaning efforts may be lacking.

Legionella sampling is important for several reasons, primarily because Legionella bacteria can cause a serious respiratory illness called Legionnaires’ disease. Here are some key reasons why Legionella sampling is crucial:

     Prevention of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks: Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia that can lead to hospitalization and, in some cases, death. By conducting regular Legionella sampling, potential sources of Legionella contamination can be identified and mitigated before they cause an outbreak. Sampling helps to monitor the presence and levels of Legionella bacteria in water systems and identify areas where preventive measures are necessary.

     Compliance with regulations and guidelines: Many countries and regions have established regulations and guidelines related to Legionella control and prevention. Sampling is often required to demonstrate compliance with these regulations, particularly in high-risk settings such as healthcare facilities, hotels, cooling towers, and other water systems. Regular sampling helps organizations meet legal obligations and maintain the safety of their water systems.

     Identification of high-risk areas: Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water environments, such as hot water systems, cooling towers, and decorative fountains. By conducting targeted sampling, areas with increased risk of Legionella growth can be identified. This allows for the implementation of appropriate control measures, such as temperature adjustments, disinfection protocols, or system modifications to reduce the risk of Legionella colonization.

     Evaluation of control measures: Sampling provides a means to assess the effectiveness of control measures implemented to prevent Legionella growth and transmission. By monitoring the levels of Legionella bacteria over time, organizations can determine if their preventive measures are successful or if further action is required to maintain water system safety.

     Early detection and response: Legionella sampling enables the early detection of Legionella contamination, even before any cases of Legionnaires’ disease occur. This early warning allows for prompt action to be taken to investigate the source of contamination, implement control measures, and prevent potential outbreaks. Rapid response can save lives and reduce the impact of Legionella-related illnesses.

Legionella sampling is important for preventing Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks, ensuring compliance with regulations, identifying high-risk areas, evaluating control measures, and enabling early detection and response to potential contamination. By proactively monitoring and managing Legionella bacteria in water systems, the risk to human health can be minimized.

IES Consulting performs thorough Legionella Assessments to determine where the potential sources are in your facility and then we develop an action plan to ensure sampling is performed in representative locations via water and/or swab collection procedures. All samples are analyzed at an accredited laboratory and presented in a detailed professional report with analytical findings and any recommendations we may have.

We have answered a few commonly asked questions regarding Legionella below:

What is Legionella?

Legionella is the bacteria that causes legionellosis. Legionellosis refers to all diseases caused by Legionella bacteria and includes the pneumonia-like illness called Legionnaires’ disease.

What are the Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease?

Common symptoms are tiredness, muscle pain and headache. Other symptoms could include, but are not limited to nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, cough and breathing difficulties.

Where Can I Find Legionella Bacteria?

Legionella bacteria can be found outdoors naturally in any freshwater environments, including here in Southwestern Ontario. Normally the levels of the bacteria are too low to cause a health concern; however, it can be a health concern if increased bacteria levels get into potable water systems.

Has Anyone Had Legionellosis in Ontario Recently?

Yes. According to Public Health Ontario, from January to September of 2022 there were 256 Legionellosis cases in Ontario. In 2021 there were 376 cases.

Has Anyone Had Legionellosis in Southwestern Ontario Recently?

Yes. This can be broken down by region with the most recent Public Health Ontario data available being 2021.

Chatham-Kent including Blenheim, Bothwell, Dresden, Erieau, Highgate, Merlin, Ridgetown, Thamesville, Tilbury, Wallaceburg and surrounding areas. Zero cases in 2021, two cases in 2020.

Lambton County including Brooke-Alvinston, Dawn-Euphemia, Enniskillen, Lambton-Shores, Oil Springs, Petrolia, Plympton-Wyoming, Point Edward, Sarnia, St. Clair, Warwick and surrounding areas. One case.

Middlesex County including Delaware, Glencoe, London, Mount Brydges Newbury, Strathroy, Wardsville and surrounding areas. Twenty-six cases.

Windsor-Essex County including Amherstburg, Essex, Kingsville, Lakeshore, LaSalle, Leamington, Tecumseh, the Township of Pelee and surrounding areas. Eleven cases.

How Can I Sample or Test for Legionella Bacteria?

IES performs accurate, representative testing for Legionella throughout Southern Ontario. All testing is performed according to Public Health Ontario guidelines and samples are analyzed at accredited Canadian laboratories.

Reach out to IES Consulting today to see how we can help.

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