What is legionella?
Legionella is a bacterium that occurs naturally in freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, and groundwater. However, in man-made systems such as water pipes, cooling towers, and hot tubs, the bacteria can multiply rapidly, especially at temperatures between 25°C and 55°C. When people inhale water droplets contaminated with Legionella, they can become ill. This can lead to legionellosis, which can range from a mild flu-like illness (Pontiac fever) to a severe pneumonia known as Legionnaires' disease.
History of legionella
Legionella was first discovered in 1976 in Philadelphia, USA, at a convention of veterans of the American Legion. Several attendees became seriously ill and developed a form of pneumonia that was unknown at the time. After extensive research, it was discovered that a previously unknown bacterium was the culprit. This bacterium was later named "Legionella" after the event where the first outbreak occurred.
Legionella in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, legionella is also a serious problem. The first major outbreak occurred in 1999 during the Westfriese Flora in Bovenkarspel, where dozens of people became ill and more than twenty people died. Since then, legionella prevention has been an important point of attention for public buildings and priority institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes and campsites.
