Legionella outbreaks continue to rise in England and Wales

A growing and worrying trend?

The continued growth in Legionella cases in England and Wales is worrying, especially when you consider the potentially fatal risks attached to any outbreaks. In just the last few weeks, a series of UK retirement home properties in Kent have reported Legionella in the water system. The historic connection between age, health and the mortality rate is without question, meaning the elderly, vulnerable and those with underlying health issues are disproportionately more at risk. Recent government data results worryingly reveal individuals aged 60 or over accounting for over 64% of cases. It is imperative that more robust controls are considered, especially across facilities where the most vulnerable are found. It is clear that health officials, property managers, and community leaders must ensure Legionella risk assessments and compliance are a priority and that systems are robust.

What could be likely causes in growing outbreaks?

Water hygiene and compliance is a critical tool in preventing the spread of Legionnaires’ disease. Legionella bacteria form and spread within water systems that are not properly maintained, particularly where water temperatures are inadequately managed. The emphasis on Legionella compliance ensures that water systems are regularly monitored and assessed for potential risks.

Tools against the growth in Legionella outbreaks

One of the tools against outbreaks is ensuring proper water flow events to maintain circulation in water systems to minimize the risk of stagnant water. Also crucially important is maintaining cold-water systems below 20°C, and hot-water systems above 50°C to prevent bacterial growth. One simple way to ensure all of these are compliant is to have wireless water temperature monitoring devices recording and timestamping temperatures and flow events. An automated, low cost, labour free tool that can not be forgotten, undertaken incorrectly or missed out altogether. A robust system that records, reports and even alerts when any compliance issues are likely to occur (before they happen). True piece of mind, enhanced services such as generating flush events and extensive labour free reporting. Other tools include Regular Legionella Risk Assessments, essential for identifying and mitigating potential hazards. These assessments include evaluation of water systems for the presence of any Legionella bacteria and implementing measures to control their growth, including maintaining appropriate water temperatures, ensuring proper disinfection, and conducting routine system cleanings. Full adherence to government guidelines and regulations on water hygiene is also crucial as these regulations provide a framework for maintaining safe water systems to reduce the risk of Legionella outbreaks.

The true cost of Legionella?

Legionella outbreaks can carry a huge cost to health and human lives, but also in reputation and remedy of outbreaks after the fact. Managing water systems using modern technology could really increase safety whilst removing old, expensive and dated manual testing. It is clear that the true cost of managing Legionella goes far beyond the cost of legionella checks or risk assessments and when we see outbreaks reported it is a timely reminder of the real risks and costs.  

Get in touch to find out more about our water temperature management/legionella sensors and smart water assets that can make a real difference.

   Data figures within this article sourced from the following research and statistics. 

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/legionellosis-in-residents-of-england-and-wales-2017-to-2023/legionellosis-in-residents-of-england-and-wales-2017-to-2023-report