A Summer Surge of Legionnaires’ Disease

This past August, New York City was struck by a Legionnaires' disease outbreak that left over 100 people ill and claimed five lives. Alarmingly, instances of this serious pneumonia have surged across the nation over the last 25 years, with a noticeable spike during the hotter months.

The Hidden Threat: What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is contracted when individuals inhale tiny droplets of water contaminated with the Legionella bacteria. This opportunistic pathogen can thrive in biofilms laying dormant in plumbing systems, especially within hot water lines and cooling towers that service large buildings.

Why Does Heat Fuel Hullabaloo?

The bacteria prefer warm conditions, flourishing in water temperatures between 90 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Amy Pruden from Virginia Tech explains that many hot water heaters are not set to temperatures high enough to eradicate Legionella. Coupled with the rising summer heat that warms distribution pipes, the conditions become a perfect breeding ground for this dangerous bacteria.

Keeping Outbreaks at Bay

Pruden emphasizes that this outbreak is a stark reminder of Legionella being the leading cause of waterborne illness in the U.S. City officials and building managers, particularly in healthcare and large residential facilities, must take proactive measures to regularly monitor water temperatures and disinfectant levels to safeguard vulnerable citizens.

How to Ensure Your Water Is Safe

If your tap water runs warmer than expected during summer, consider using a filter pitcher stored in your fridge for clean drinking water. However, this may not fully protect you from exposure to Legionella while showering. A comprehensive water treatment system or a shower head filter can provide further protection. It's essential to choose systems tested and certified by NSF to tackle specific contaminants.

Also, inspect your plumbing; uninsulated pipes may contribute to elevated temperatures. Advocating for municipal measures such as increased shade coverage can help keep distribution systems cooler.

Tips for High-Risk Individuals

For those at higher risk, such as the elderly or immunocompromised, taking baths instead of showers can significantly reduce inhalation risk. Pruden suggests keeping water heaters set above 140°F to kill off potential bacteria, but be cautious when mixing with cooler water to avoid scalding.

Stay Informed and Safe

With summer just around the corner, keeping updated on water safety measures is crucial. For more extensive information, check the National Academies of Science report on managing Legionella in building water systems.