Legionnaires' Disease

A Common Organism
History Of Outbreaks
Unusual Cases
Locations Where The Disease Thrives
Maintenance And Cleaning Of Evaporative Coolers
Epilogue
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Introduction

The first known outbreak of Legionnaires` Disease was at a convention for ex-service personnel in Philadelphia USA, in 1976. A total of 221 people contracted the disease and 34 died. Most of those that died were Legionnaires and that's how the disease got it's name.

Domestic Air Coolers

Legionnaires` Disease, undiscovered till 1976, has highlighted the need to keep air conditioners clean.

Though domestic air conditioners have never been found to cause Legionnaires Disease, two types of domestic systems, ducted and mobile, which use water as a coolant, can provide ideal conditions for the organism to multiply.

For this reason the West Australian Health Department now advises that evaporative air coolers, commonly used in smaller commercial premises and in homes, should also be cleaned regularly.

One popular type of air-conditioner does not need cleaning. The window-type, which uses refrigerated air instead of evaporated water, cannot collect the bacteria and therefore presents no risk of Legionnaires Disease.

A Common Organism

The organism is so common that many Australians, roughly a third according to several independent tests, have antibodies in their blood. This indicates contact with the organism at some stage in their lives, though without showing any obvious symptoms.

In its own habitat it is not known to be harmful to humans. It is only when it is found in man made situations that the bacteria can multiply in large quantities and become dangerous (only if the bacteria is breathed into the lungs).

• If inhaled, the bacteria may cause infection.
• The disease is not transmitted from person to person.
• Legionnaires disease does not occur from drinking contaminated water.

Legionella pneumophila	Pseudonomas aeruginosa

There are other illnesses that should be mentioned which are Pontiac Fever, Humidifier Fever and Hypersensitivity Pneumontitis.

• Pontiac Fever is a non life threatening illness and can last up to 14 days.
• Humidifier Fever Normally occurs via cold water sprays.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumontitis is exclusively associated with air conditioning.

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