Outsourced janitorial services can safely and efficiently address the sanitation challenges facing many industries confronted with the possibility of Legionnaires disease, especially during the hot summer months where public pools and spas are popular.
Green Janitorial Services and Legionnaires Preventative Cleaning
Legionnaires disease, a form of atypical pneumonia, commonly called Legionellosis, is a potentially deadly lung infection caused by the Legionella bacteria.
Legionella bacteria are commonly found in small quantities in fresh waterways and typically only grow to dangerous levels in stagnant or human-made water systems, such as:
- Shower heads and faucets.
- Large plumbing systems.
- Cooling towers used to provide air conditioning to large buildings and complexes.
- Hot water tanks and heaters.
- Hot tubs.
- Swimming pools.
- Whirlpools, and;
- Decorative fountains.
Legionnaires is so deadly that involuntary manslaughter charges have been brought against five health department officials in Flint, MI for failing to alert citizens during a 2014-15 outbreak that led to the infection of more than 70 people, 12 of whom died as a direct result.
For More Information:
Legionnaires is also an enormous issue for healthcare facilities, where infections can be even more dangerous.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC);
A new CDC analysis finds that among the 21 U.S. jurisdictions studied, 76 percent reported health care-associated cases of Legionnaires’ disease, a concerning finding since Legionnaires’ disease acquired from health care facilities can be particularly severe.
The findings highlight a possibly deadly risk to patients from exposure to Legionella in health care facilities.
Patients in health care facilities at risk for Legionnaires’ disease
Image Courtesy of the CDC
Legionnaires Disease FAQ
Q: What is Legionnaires Disease?
A: Legionnaires disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella Pneumophila, commonly found in potable and non-potable water sources.
Q: How is Legionnaires Disease Transmitted?
A: Legionnaires disease is transmitted to humans by breathing in aerosolized water vapor or aspirating on contaminated water.
Q: Is Legionnaires Disease Contagious?
A: No, Legionnaires disease is not contagious, and no special precautions need to be taken when caring for an infected patient.
Q: What are the Symptoms of Legionnaires Disease?
A: The symptoms of Legionnaires disease strongly resemble bad flu symptoms, including headache, muscle pain, chills, and high fever, and accompanied by a cough that occasionally produces blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as confusion and mental changes that has been showing to create long-term neurological issues after recovery in most patients.
Q: Who is Most Vulnerable to Legionnaires Disease?
A: Legionnaires disease is most deadly in chronic smokers, those with pre-existing lung disease, individuals with compromised immune systems, and specifically organ transplant patients, or those taking corticosteroid medicines.
Q: How can Legionnaires Disease be Prevented?
A: Legionnaires disease can be avoided by maintaining the sanitation of standing water storage, including water tanks, supermarket vegetable misters, and air conditioners, as well as routinely changing out water and thoroughly sanitizing surfaces.
Green Cleaning Tips
Maintaining clean water storage and transportation systems is the only way to prevent the transmission of Legionnaires disease.
Routine inspection and cleaning of water tanks, systems, and misters is necessary to test for the elevated presence of Legionella.
If Legionella is discovered the tanks and water system should be thoroughly cleaned, corroded or malfunctioning parts should be replaced, then the whole system should be disinfected with a certified green biocide.
References & Resources
- Legionella.org
- Water System Maintenance
- Legionnaires' disease
- Mist in Grocery's Produce Section Is Linked to Legionnaires' Disease
- Green biocides, a promising technology: current and future applications to industry and industrial processes
Takeaway
Legionnaires disease is a deadly form of pneumonia that is commonly found in day spas, gyms, and healthcare facilities.
While contamination can be challenging and time-consuming to diagnose, preventative measures can be implemented to significantly reduce the likelihood of the bacteria growing to dangerous levels.
If you would like to learn more about the advantages of certified green janitorial services to safely protect your business, employees, and customers from potential Legionnaires infections, contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253
You must be logged in to post a comment.