Council HQ remains shut due to legionella bacteria
A council headquarters in Worcestershire remains closed to staff after legionella bacteria was found in parts of the water system. Read the full article here
Connecticut man, 25, almost dies after smoking cannabis in a bong that caused lethal lung infection
A Connecticut man contracted a rare and deadly lung disease after smoking a cannabis bong with water from a garden hose. Read more here
Chantry Library in Ipswich remains closed due to legionella
Library users will have their due dates extended as a town library remains closed due to legionella. A library spokesman said it may take a further two weeks before the results of tests carried out at Chantry Library are returned. Until then the Hawthorn Drive site will continue to be closed. Read more here.
Healthcare Infection Society Opens Consultation – 17/04/2024
The Healthcare Infection Society is inviting comments on the scope for their next NICE-accredited guideline: water management for healthcare microbiologists. If you are a microbiologist or a professional involved in estates, facilities or engineering with responsibility for a water safety group or safety plan, the surveillance of water or wastewater borne infections, or keep on top of… Read more »
The CDC has released findings for 214 outbreaks associated with drinking water 2015–2020.
Some interesting takeaways from the MMWR report: Legionella was implicated in 98% of biofilm-related outbreaks.Legionella-associated outbreaks generally increased over the study period.Legionella caused 97% of the hospitalizations and 98% of all deaths.Premise plumbing (point of use locations) was the contributing factor in 63% of the Legionella and other biofilm-associated pathogen outbreaks. Read the full report… Read more »
Could cleaner air be driving rise in Legionnaires disease?
Legionnaires disease (LD) cases rose ninefold between 2000 and 2018, and the reasons for the dramatic global rise have been a scientific mystery. This week, a research team proposed a surprising factor: a drop in air pollution. Read more here.
Bacterial infection that spreads through showers, faucets and AC units has killed 80 and hospitalised 500 in US.
From 2015 to 2020, the bacteria Legionella caused 184 disease outbreaks in the US, resulting in 786 illnesses, 544 hospitalisations and 86 deaths. Of 214 disease outbreaks over five years, 184 were caused by legionella bacteria. Read more here.
Yorkshire pensioner died from legionnaires disease picked up in hotel while on break from caring for wife
A pensioner from Yorkshire died from deadly legionnaires’ disease after going on holiday to have a break from caring for his adoring wife who had dementia. Read the full article here
Unregistered plumber handed suspended prison sentence
An unregistered plumber has received a suspended prison sentence after he carried out illegal gas work at a house in Peterborough. Read the full article here
Health Advisory Issued for Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel Guests Due to Legionella Bacteria
The Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel has detected #Legionella bacteria in its water system, leading to a health advisory for guests to avoid taking showers. The hotel is working with health officials to disinfect the water system and prevent further growth of the bacteria. The source of the bacteria remains unclear. Read more here.
