Controlling Legionnaires Disease

To control Legionnaires disease involves being aware of employing proper health practices both in the workplace and in the community as a whole. It helps if the community is well informed about its symptoms, and receives a report from the proper authorities as soon as the test becomes conclusive.

Efforts in the workplace, on the other hand, with the cooperation of employers are critical in the campaign to control Legionnaires disease.

But what is Legionnaires disease? And what are the measures to take to manage the risk? For those who are not familiar with the disease, it is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which can affect anybody. Age, environment and lifestyle are all factors in determining how one can get affected with the bacterium Legionella pneumophila, the primary cause of Legionnaires disease.

The above mentioned bacterium and other forms of legionella bacteria occur naturally in environments such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs albeit in small numbers. Purpose built water systems such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers and whirlpool spas can also harbour such bacteria.

Knowing what signs and symptoms to watch out for can help control Legionnaires disease. If you suspect that you or your colleagues are suffering from Legionnaires disease, be on the lookout for flu-like symptoms such as: chills, feverishness and high temperature; cough; headache; pneumonia (very occasionally); diarrhoea and signs of mental confusion.

Consult with your general practitioner to confirm your symptoms. Legionnaires disease is treated with erythromycin and similar antibiotic.

Since Legionnaires Disease is not easy to diagnose because of its similarity to flu, you may be required to take a urine or blood test to confirm. If you acquired the disease from your workplace immediately inform your manager or your health and safety representative and occupational health department for proper documentation.

Employers are required to report cases of Legionnaires disease to authorities to manage the risk the earliest time possible.