The GGD warns against legionella infections. According to the health service, the risk of infection is greater when people set the temperature of the heating or hot water tank too low.
Legionella is a bacterium found in various water systems. Under the right conditions, such as temperatures between 25 and 40 degrees, bacteria can multiply at high concentrations. You can get an infection, for example, by inhaling small droplets of water with legionella germs while taking a shower.
Not everyone gets sick after inhaling the Legionella bacteria. Particularly susceptible are the elderly, people with health or immune system problems and smokers. An infection can cause flu-like symptoms or severe pneumonia. In exceptional cases, people can die from it. The GGD recommends storing water with a temperature above sixty degrees.
