As of July 1, 2018, all landlords in England are required to test for Legionella bacteria in their properties. This testing must be done every three months and results must be recorded in a logbook. Landlords who do not comply with this law can be fined up to \u00a32,500.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the past, there have been a number of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks in the UK that have been linked to poorly maintained water systems in properties. Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia that can be caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Testing for Legionella bacteria is the only way to prevent these sorts of outbreaks from happening. By testing regularly, landlords can ensure that their properties are safe and compliant with the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re a landlord in England, make sure you’re up to date with the latest Legionella testing requirements. It could save you a lot of money in fines, and more importantly, it could save lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Legionella is a bacteria that is found in water. It can cause a serious lung infection, known as Legionnaires’ disease, which can be fatal. The bacteria are usually spread through airborne droplets, such as when water is sprayed from a shower or fountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease often occur in places where large groups of people are exposed to contaminated water, such as hotels, hospitals, and cruise ships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In order to prevent the spread of Legionnaires’ disease, it is important to maintain clean water systems and to disinfect areas where the bacteria might grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best way to prevent Legionnaires disease is to avoid contact with water that may contain the Legionella bacteria. This includes avoiding showering or bathing in water that may be contaminated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is also important to avoid drinking water from sources that may be contaminated, such as fountains or spas. If you must come into contact with contaminated water, it is important to wear protective clothing, such as a mask and gloves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, it is essential to clean and disinfect any surfaces that may have come into contact with contaminated water. By taking these precautions, you can help to prevent Legionnaires disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the CDC, Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause a serious lung infection (called Legionnaires’ disease) or a less serious lung infection (called Pontiac fever).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People can get sick if they breathe in small droplets of water that contain the Legionella bacteria. Outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease have been linked to apartment complex public areas, such as swimming pools, hot tubs, and cooling towers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, it is important to note that Legionella can also grow in other types of water systems, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the CDC notes that outbreaks are rare, they do happen. In 2018, there were several high-profile cases of Legionnaires’ disease linked to apartment complexes, one of which resulted in the death of a resident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you live in an apartment complex, it is important to be aware of the potential for Legionella growth. You should also know what to do if you develop symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, which include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you develop any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your doctor will likely order a chest X-ray and a Legionella urine test<\/a>. If the test comes back positive, you will be treated with antibiotics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In most cases, Legionnaires’ disease is treatable if it is caught early. However, the CDC notes that the disease can be fatal in some cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To avoid Legionella growth in your apartment complex, it is important to maintain clean and disinfected public areas. You should also avoid contact with water that may be contaminated. If you must come into contact with contaminated water, it is important to wear protective clothing, such as a mask and gloves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you develop symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. With early diagnosis and treatment, most cases of Legionnaires’ disease are treatable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People can become infected with Legionnaires disease when they breathe in Legionella bacteria. Legionnaires disease is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People at risk for Legionnaires disease include those who are 50 years or older, smokers, heavy drinkers, people with chronic lung diseases, and people with weakened immune systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Legionnaires disease can be fatal, so it is important to seek medical attention if you develop symptoms. Symptoms of Legionnaires disease include coughing, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Legionnaires disease is diagnosed through a chest X-ray and lab tests of your phlegm or blood. Treatment for Legionnaires disease includes antibiotics and oxygen therapy. You may also need to be hospitalized for treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat If I Have Symptoms of Legionnaires Disease?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n