Legionnaires’Disease: An Update for Plumbing Engineers
Legionnaires’ Disease is a deadly pneumonia that is contracted by inhaling airborne water droplets containing Legionella bacteria (legionellae). Legionellae can proliferate in warm water in plumbing systems, cooling towers and many types of equipment, including respiratory care devices, whirlpool spas and baths, and humidifiers.
Most cases of Legionnaires’ Disease are not detected. Even when cases are detected, the public rarely hears about them, because only a small percentage of Legionnaires’ cases occur as part of the multi-case outbreaks that sometimes make the news. The disease is seldom publicized, even when lawsuits are involved, because most Legionnaires’ lawsuits are settled quickly and under terms of confidentiality.