The fifth annual report (published April 2015 by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)) on Legionnaires’ disease (LD) surveillance data for the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) for 2013 showed that there were 5,851 cases reported, or 11.4 cases per million people, a figure that was “well within the range observed in the past five years.”
In the UK, 331 cases were reported of which 11% proved fatal. The main characteristics of the cases reported in 2013 were very similar to those reported in previous years: most cases were sporadic and community-acquired, and the disease affected mostly older males.
“‘Legionnaires’ disease remains an important cause of potentially preventable morbidity and mortality in Europe.“ said Birgitta de Jong, senior expert of respiratory diseases and group leader for EU preparedness at ECDC.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by Legionella bacteria. It’s usually caught by inhaling small droplets of contaminated water. The infection isn’t contagious and can’t be spread directly from person to person.
In the UK, businesses have a responsibility to carry out a legionella risk assessment and where appropriate complete remedial and maintenance work as well as monitoring and managing their water system. Give ICE a call if you want to find out more about what you need to do or require some assistance to keep on top of monitoring and control.
