How does a legionella contamination come about?
The story is as old as the road to Rome, yet we need to be reminded of it every year. Branch organization Technology Netherlands draws our attention to it again. Even if a faucet has not been used for 1 week, there is already a risk of an infection by the legionella bacteria. The water is stagnant in the pipes and the temperature rises above the dangerous limit of 25 degrees Celsius, where bacteria like to thrive.
Unfortunately, this is less fun for people. As soon as you take a shower the first time after returning home, you also breathe in the atomized water – tiny, almost invisible water droplets. Those bacteria are also in it and they end up in your lungs. So it is not caused by drinking contaminated water, but by breathing in those water mists. In the least harmful case, this leads to fatigue or the flu. But in the worst case it can cause (double) pneumonia. This is also known as ‘veteran disease’. That name refers to a major outbreak of legionella among war veterans in 1976. Still 1 positive thing about legionella: you cannot infect another with it. So in that sense it is not contagious.
Biggest risk after (summer) holidays
Anyone who has been away from home for a while, for example on vacation, should watch out for such an infection by water mist. Eric van der Blom, legionella expert at the entrepreneurs’ organization for the installation sector Techniek Nederland, explains what you can do best: ‘When you inhale that mist, the legionella bacteria settle in the lungs. When you return home, it is wise to let hot water flow through all taps and showers in the house for at least 1 minute and then to rinse with cold water.’
Don’t underestimate this. And do this as carefully as possible. Because it is totally unnecessary to get such an infection. The recent case in which central heating boilers played the leading role proves that such an infection can be deadly. Holding a washcloth over the shower head will prevent the water from atomizing while you’re at it. You can also hold the shower head under water in a bucket or basin. Even if you are just going on holiday, you can do the same in your holiday home. Incidentally, the same applies 1 to 1 for the garden hose and the connected spray head.
7 tips against legionella
For the sake of completeness, Techniek Nederland has formulated 7 useful tips against legionella:
After the holiday, flush all cold and hot water taps for at least 1 minute. Let the water flow gently. Prevent the water from atomizing by holding the shower head in a bucket of water or washcloth or by removing the spray nozzle from the tap. If possible, make sure the water from all faucets is at least 55 degrees (that won’t work with your garden faucet, but this aside). Also in your holiday home, let all taps flush for a few minutes. Also flush garden hoses and prevent misting (by removing the spray head or placing it in a bucket of water). Never modify your drinking water installation yourself. It is better to leave that to a recognized professional. Regularly disinfect any whirlpool (or spa, whirlpool, jacuzzi or hot tub) according to the instructions for use.
(Source: Techniek Nederland, archive, ANP, National Government, RIVM, MAX Today; Photo: Shutterstock)
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