Did you know you could have bacteria in your air conditioning equipment?
Legionellosis is a bacterial disease that can cause pneumonia. It is caused by the Legionella bacterium, a ubiquitous microorganism that lives freely in the environment and is present in all aquatic habitats: surface waters of lakes, rivers, ponds, and hot springs.
What are the symptoms?
They can be similar to those of the flu: cough, fever, difficulty breathing, muscle aches, headache. A simple urine antigen test confirms whether the microorganism causing the infection is Legionella.
How is it spread?
The bacteria colonize cooling towers or other facilities containing water at warm temperatures, where they tend to multiply. If these bacteria are transported in aerosols (tiny droplets), they can be inhaled, reach the lungs, and cause the disease. It is not spread from person to person.
Is it serious?
It can be a mild respiratory illness or severe enough to cause death. Between 10 and 40% of healthy adults have antibodies that indicate previous exposure to the organism.
What is your treatment?
Antibiotics. Treatment begins as soon as the disease is suspected, without waiting for confirmation through a laboratory test.
Where can there be risk?
From its natural habitat, the bacteria can colonize urban water supply systems and enter the water distribution network. This is how it reaches facilities that generate aerosols: showers, evaporative condensers, cooling towers, spas, jacuzzis, hospital humidifiers, ornamental fountains, etc. Dirty facilities with stagnant water favor the multiplication of bacteria.
Who gets it?
Anyone of any age can get it. However, it primarily affects older people or those with weakened immune systems due to illness or medical treatment. It rarely affects healthy people.
Can citizens do anything to prevent Legionellosis?
Yes, we can perform preventative maintenance on air conditioning systems and equipment. At Pujol Clima, we specialize in preventative maintenance. We have specialized personnel and the best anti-legionella products.
