To understand how DCW units and in-house disinfectant NEUTHOX work to control and prevent bacteria in water in an eco-friendly, economical and energy-efficient way, let’s take a look at Legionella, one of the most widespread bacteria found in natural water systems.
Legionella is the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease and forms part of the Legionellosis, a collection of infections that emerged in the second half of the 20th century.
Legionellosis is caused by Legionella pneumophila and related bacteria and the severity of Legionellosis varies from mild febrile illness (Pontiac fever) to a potentially fatal form of pneumonia (Legionnaires’ disease). The disease can affect anyone, but principally affects those who are susceptible due to age, illness, immunosuppression and other risk factors, such as smoking.
The bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease got its name from an incident in 1976 where an outbreak of an unknown disease (assumed to be pneumonia) amongst people attending a convention of the American Legion infected 221 people and killed 34. Later the bacteria was named ‘Legionella pneumophila’.
* “legionella – World Health Organization.” https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/emerging/legionella.pdf. Accessed 30 Mar. 2020.
* “Bacterial control in water – Danish Clean Water.” https://www.danishcleanwater.com/Admin/Public/Download.aspx?file=Files%2FFiles%2FPDF%2F150122+General+brochure.pdf. Accessed 30 Mar. 2020.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has produced data that indicates Legionnaires’ disease is deadly for around 10% of people who contract it. People who are diagnosed sooner and are treated with the correct antibiotics have a higher chance of recovering than those who are left undiagnosed for longer. However, only a small percentage of Legionnaires’ disease cases are detected, with many patients receiving an incorrect diagnosis.
*”Legionnaires’ Disease | VitalSigns | CDC – Centers for ….” 7 Jun. 2016, https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/legionnaires/index.html. Accessed 30 Mar. 2020.
Is there a current Legionella threat?
Legionella continues to present a very real threat. In 2017, the EU/EEA reported the highest ever observed figures, an increase of 30% in the number of reported cases compared with 2016. The public health implications remain serious – Legionnaires’ disease is an important cause of potentially preventable morbidity and mortality in Europe and there is no indication of decreasing burden. In critical sites, such as hospitals and care homes, patients are particularly susceptible to contracting Legionella and concern around the issue is high, with outbreaks being reported with disturbing regularity.
Legionella can spread across many parts of a building’s water system where the area is consistently wet or damp. Alternatively, Legionella can also spread through contaminated water droplets which are expelled through the environment by a device such as water filters, water valves and water storage tanks.
Can Legionnaires’ disease be prevented?
Yes, Legionnaires’ disease can be prevented as it’s considered to be an environmental disease as opposed to a communicable disease and when it comes to tackling Legionella outbreaks, prevention is truly the key. To reduce the incidence of Legionella building owners must carefully manage plumbing systems in a number of ways.
*”Can Legionnaires Disease be Prevented? | HC Info.” https://hcinfo.com/about/legionnaires-disease/what-precautions-can-be-taken/. Accessed 30 Mar. 2020.
* “Legionella Growth and Spread | Healthcare Facilities | CDC.” https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/wmp/overview/growth-and-spread.html. Accessed 30 Mar. 2020.
Ensuring your levels of disinfection are correct is vital when aiming to prevent a Legionella outbreak and you’ll likely need a long-term supplemental disinfectant added to your water to help limit Legionella growth. Examples of such disinfectants include chlorine, mono-chlorine, chlorine dioxide, ultraviolet light, and ozone.
While everyone understands the importance of controlling the presence of Legionella and other waterborne bacteria in engineered water systems, using potentially dangerous chemicals to do so could create more problems than it solves. But there is an alternative, a solution that delivers ‘no compromise’ disinfection but is non-toxic and safer for both users and the environment – the DCW electrochemical activation system, powered by NEUTHOX.
