It is a type of pneumonia that results in the death of about 13% of people who will be infected with Legionella bacteria

These bacteria can also cause a less serious illness (Pontiac fever) which is very similar to a runny nose.

The disease usually develops within 3-6 days, but sometimes it can appear up tο 10 days after the infection of the person. The bacterium Legionella is found in small numbers in our natural moist environment (lakes, rivers, dams) It can survive in a wide range of temperatures (from 6-60 ° C). It cannot multiply at temperatures below 20 degrees while temperatures above 60 ° C, kill the bacterium.

Contrary to temperatures from 20 ° C to 45 ° C where it multiplies easily and can colonize cold or hot water systems hence infect humans.

Breathing air containing Legionella bacteria in invisible aerosol (aerosol).

This aerosol can come from water droplets formed by the head of a running shower, from the mouth of a common faucet, from the emptying of a toilet bowl, from air bubbles in a spa-jacuzzi.

On the contrary, they are found in high numbers in poorly maintained water circulation systems.

• Implement the control procedures of this problem, by taking the necessary actions of disinfection and sanitation of the hot and cold-water circulation systems
• and to have certificates of analysis from appropriate and specialized laboratories that ensure that the water has been tested and is safe for legionella.

1. Check if the hot water running in our room from the shower and taps is hot enough (55-60 degrees Celsius) with a thermometer if present or with great care not to burn it with your hand, so we cannot hold it for more than a few seconds under water.
2. Try to smell in the cold water after letting it run for 3-4 minutes, putting it in a glass, the well-known smell of chlorine (indication that the water is at least chlorinated and thus provides some security).
3. When we enter an area, and before using the facilities, let us turn on the taps and showers and allow them to run for a few minutes – both hot and cold water coming out of the room for a while, especially if we get the impression that the site does not appear to have been used recently.