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Taking showers 'can make you ill'

Showering may be bad for your health, say US scientists, who have shown that dirty shower heads can deliver a face full of harmful bacteria. Tests revealed nearly a third of devices harbour significant levels of a bug that causes lung disease. Levels of Mycobacterium avium were 100 times higher than those found in typical household water supplies. M. avium forms a biofilm that clings to the inside of the shower head, reports the National Academy of Science. In the Proceedings journal, the study authors say their findings might explain why there have been more cases of these lung infections in recent years, linked with people tending to take more showers and fewer baths. Water spurting from shower heads can distribute bacteria-filled droplets that suspend themselves in the air and can easily be inhaled into the deepest parts of the lungs, say the scientists from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Potential threat

Lead researcher Professor Norman Pace, said: "If you are getting a face full of water when you first turn your shower on, that means you are probably getting a particularly high load of Mycobacterium avium, which may not be too healthy." While it is rarely a problem for most healthy people, those with weakened immune systems, like the elderly, pregnant women or those who are fighting off other diseases, can be susceptible to infection. They may develop lung infection with M. avium and experience symptoms including tiredness, a persistent, dry cough, shortness of breath and weakness, and generally feel unwell. When the researchers swabbed and tested 50 shower heads from nine cities in seven different states in the US, including New York City and Denver, they found 30% of the devices posed a potential risk. Since plastic shower heads appear to "load up" with more bacteria-rich biofilms, metal shower heads may be a good alternative, said Professor Pace. Showers have also been identified as a route for spreading other infectious diseases, including a type of pneumonia called Legionnaires' disease and chest infections with a bacterium called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Hot tubs and spa pools carry a similar infection risk, according to the Health Protection Agency. A HPA spokesperson said: "This is an interesting paper which provides further information about the occurrence of opportunist organisms - germs which do not usually cause infections in humans - in the environment. "These bacteria, which belong to the same family as TB, can be found in the environment and occasionally in water supplies but rarely cause disease in healthy people. "Further work will need to look at whether finding these organisms is associated with any increased risk of infection."

Source : BBC News Website

Killer bug alert

Four rushed to hospital as health experts bid to track down source. Health experts and council bosses have launched an investigation to track down the source of a killer bug after four elderly pensioners were struck down by the lethal Legionnaires' disease. Bolsover District Council and the Health Protection Agency are desperate to find the source to prevent further cases after four men from Carr Vale were rushed to Chesterfield Royal Hospital where they have been undergoing life-saving treatment. Dr Fran Pitt, HPA East Midlands North director, said: "We're working closely with colleagues in other organisations who are jointly undertaking testing to try and identify the source of these infections." The HPA launched its investigation after the four victims, all aged over 65, were diagnosed. Two were being treated in the hospital's intensive therapy unit yesterday, where their condition was said to be critical, while the others were on medical wards. The investigation involves interviewing patients to find common ground and discussing activities to see if the condition was acquired from an institution, at home or through travel. Dr Roy Fey, HPA consultant, said: "Those affected don't appear to have travelled widely and there may be no link but we're trying to establish if there is one so we can ensure there is no threat to anyone else." Legionnaires' disease is caused by Legionella bacterium spread through air from water and can be found in sources such as streams, cooling systems, water systems and spas but cannot be passed from person to person. Symptoms include flu-like illness, leading to pneumonia sometimes, with diarrhoea and confusion. Those developing possible symptoms should see their GPs. A Bolsover District Council spokesman said: "We're assisting the HPA in trying to find the source to prevent anyone else catching the disease and to establish if safety measures are needed."

Source : Derbyshiretimes.co.uk

Compensation for legionnaire disease widow

A Widow whose husband died after contracting legionnaires' disease while at the DGH is set to receive compensation. East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust admits that leukaemia patient Paul Duncan contracted the disease from a contaminated shower at Eastbourne District General Hospital, and admits breach of duty. But the trust and his widow Clare Duncan have been unable to agree on levels of compensation, and now Mrs Duncan is seeking damages of more than £125,000. Paul Duncan, 41, was admitted to Pevensey Ward of the hospital on April 12 2007 with acute myeloid leukaemia for two courses of chemotherapy. But he contracted legionnaires' disease after using showers on the ward which were contaminated with legionella bacteria, according to a High Court writ. His condition started to deteriorate in early June, with vomiting, diarrhoea and high temperatures. By the time he was treated in the intensive therapy unit, he was suffering from sepsis, pulmonary oedema, and severe pneumonia. His kidneys failed, and he died on June 16. He knew that he was dying, and before his death he endured pain and suffering, the writ says. If he had not contracted legionnaires' disease he would have finished his second course of chemotherapy, could have had a bone marrow transplant, and had a life expectancy of five years, it is alleged. The trust's chief executive Kim Hodgson wrote in October 2007 admitting the hospital had failed in its duty of care to him, the writ says. Paul and Clare Duncan had married in September 1991, and he worked as a research manager for IBM. Mrs Duncan brands the trust negligent, and says it failed to clean and chlorinate showerheads in the ward properly in March 2007, failed to allocate the cleaning job to a particular craftsman, contrary to its own procedures, and failed to install legionella filters. The trust also failed to run a tracking system with job cards properly, failed to keep a log book recording legionella preventing work, failed to give extra attention to sources of potential infection where vulnerable patients were being treated, and departed from a legionella management plan and policy authorised by the Director of Infection Prevention and Control, and the Infection Control Committee, she says. A DGH spokesperson said, "We would like reiterate our sincere condolences to Mr Duncan's family for their sad loss. "We are currently in negotiations with the family's representatives to bring this matter to a conclusion. "We would like to reassure local people that as a result of this incident, we have reviewed and improved our control measures in respect to safeguarding against legionella."

Source : Bexhillobserver.net

Bangor pool open after deadly bug scare

Bangor swimming pool has opened again more than a week after the discovery of the deadly bug legionella. Elevated levels of legionella bacteria were found in the shower water during a routine inspection and the pool closed as a "precautionary measure". A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: "The safety of our customers is paramount and all steps are being taken to re-open as soon as it is safe to do so. "We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this incident may cause. "The council employs specialist contractors to monitor the safety of water systems at all council-run leisure centres and swimming pools. "As part of these routine tests, legionella bacterium was detected in the Bangor Swimming Pool showers and we immediately closed the facility to ensure the safety of the public. "Tests have also confirmed that there are no problems with the water in the swimming pool itself. "Work has already commenced to disinfect the shower system. The Swimming Pool will remain closed until we are fully satisfied that all tests results are clear. "Notices will be placed at the Swimming Pool entrance and on the Council website to inform the public when services will resume. "Dr Judy Hart, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for the National Public Health Service, added: "We are working closely with Gwynedd Council on this matter, and local GPs have been informed of the situation as a precautionary measure."It is reassuring to note that to date, we have not received any increase in the number of legionella cases reported." A sign on the entrance to the pool says closed due to "technical reasons" and the staff were unable to comment. Legionnaire's disease has an incubation period of between 10 to 14 days and starts with symptoms such as fevers, chills and coughs. The last known case of Legionnaire's in the area was in Beaumaris where a woman was struck down with the illness after returning from America. Public health officials inspected the Beaumaris town hall where the woman worked but gave the building the all clear. Legionella bacterium has the potential to cause Legionnaires disease which can lead to pneumonia. Most cases are isolated and it generally occurs in people aged over 50 years. Legionnaire's disease is spread through the air from a water source containing Legionella bacteria, and cannot be passed from person to person.

Source : Northwaleschronicle.co.uk

Holiday hell cash payout

A MIDLAND postman has won a five-figure payout from a travel giant after a last-minute holiday left him fighting for his life with deadly Legionnaires’ disease. Father-of-two David Higgs, from Smethwick, was hoping to recharge his batteries in Tenerife when it turned into a holiday from hell. Just one day into the seven-day getaway, booked with First Choice, to the Orlando Club Resort, in Playa de las Americas, David and his daughter Leah fell violently ill after they both used the shower in their apartment. Postie David suffered hallucinations, vomiting, a fever and diarrhoea, but was told it was a gastric illness by Spanish medics. Wife Jayne, aged 46, who also works with her 47-year-old husband David at the Royal Mail delivery office in West Bromwich, said that when the family returned home, David’s condition worsened with respiratory difficulties. “I took him to Sandwell Hospital and within hours he was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease and in intensive care,” added Jayne. “Doctors said if we hadn’t brought David into hospital that day, he could have been dead within 12 hours. It was devastating. ”Jayne, whose lives with David, son Daryl, 17, and Leah, 14, added: “We just wanted some sun, but the apartment was nothing like it had been described. It was so dirty with murky brown water. “We complained but were told we would have to buy our flight tickets home if we wanted to leave early, which we couldn’t afford. “It isn’t about the money, it is about making First Choice realise they cannot brush something like this under the carpet. This is a moral victory.” The nightmare trip happened in September 2002. Afterwards it took David two years before he would take a shower, due to the association in his mind of the infection and the hotel’s dirty shower water. First Choice battled for years against the Higgs’ family legal claim, blaming a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Oldbury a month before the holiday, and forcing David to submit his work route. Family solicitor Philip Banks, from Irwin Mitchell law firm, said First Choice later admitted liability and gave the out of court settlement when the company was compelled to disclose documents relating to procedures at the hotel. “Legionnaires’ disease is an extremely serious and often fatal condition and although David has thankfully made a good recovery, he is lucky to be alive,” said Mr Banks. “The expert found the hotel had fallen below the standards to be expected. “I have dealt with many cases of Legionnaires’ and the common factor is they could easily have been prevented if appropriate health and hygiene systems had been put in place.” A First Choice spokeswoman confirmed an “amicable agreement” had been reached with Mr Higgs. “At First Choice, the health and safety of our customers is our primary concern and we would like to reassure customers that every precaution is taken to safeguard their well being whilst abroad”, she said.

Factfile:

Legionnaires Disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which can affect anyone. It is caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacteria, found naturally in environmental water sources such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs, usually in low numbers. The bacteria can also be found in purpose built water systems such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers and whirlpool spas and causes symptoms similar to flu, from a cough to muscle pains and feverishness, but can prove fatal if not treated quickly.

Source : Birminghammail.net

Hotel tests for deadly bacteria

A five-star hotel in Dubai is investigating a possible outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease after the death of a recent guest, the BBC cricket commentator and statistician Bill Frindall. Frindall, who was 69, died on Friday after falling ill with the infectious disease after a cricket tour of the UAE a fortnight ago. Two other guests of the hotel also fell ill. Their condition was unknown. It is not known where Frindall contracted the disease. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, where he was staying, is investigating. The hotel’s parent company, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, said in a written statement that three guests were “reportedly diagnosed with clinical cases of Legionnaires’ disease”. The hotel said it was conducting a “thorough investigation” with Dubai Municipality, Dubai health authorities and independent assessors, including leading experts from Europe and the US, to establish whether the disease was present in the hotel. In a statement issued yesterday evening, the company said: “All testing to date has established that the hotel satisfies all requirements regarding the health, safety and welfare of hotel guests and associates. Potential sources have been analysed by an independent accredited laboratory and to date, unequivocally no evidence of legionella has been found at the hotel. In addition, no issues have been noted during systematic and regular audits conducted at the hotel. “The safety of our guests and associates is always of paramount priority, and although recent monitoring and testing has not revealed the presence of legionella at the property, hotel management has begun contacting guests and associates to advise them of the situation.” Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia, is caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella. The bacteria was named after there was an outbreak among people who attended a Philadelphia convention of the American Legion in 1976. Each year, 8,000 to 18,000 people are hospitalised with Legionnaires’ disease in the US, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, many infections are not diagnosed or reported. Signs of the disease can include a high fever, chills, and cough. Some people may also suffer from muscle aches and headaches. Chest X-rays are needed to find the pneumonia caused by the bacteria; blood or urine tests are also required to find evidence of it in the body. Symptoms usually begin two to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria.

Source : Thenational.ae

Springfield Hospital patients moved to Tolworth after legionnaires' disease death

A 95-year-old woman died in Springfield Hospital after contracting legionnaires’ disease, it has been revealed. Tests carried out on the Tooting ward where the woman was staying later revealed “significant” levels of legionella – the bacteria which causes the deadly disease. All remaining ward patients have since been moved from Springfield Hospital to Tolworth Hospital. No other patients were affected. The death only came to light after the Wandsworth Guardian investigated complaints from relatives of patients at Tolworth Hospital, who were to be moved to make way for patients from Springfield. Peter Houghton, chief executive of the South West London and St George’s Mental Health Trust, said: “Patient safety is a priority for the trust, so we are working closely with experts and will continue to do everything necessary to protect patients and staff. “Water testing is done regularly across the hospital as a routine measure. We have taken appropriate steps to control the problem in the affected area.” The woman died on September 16 last year and her death prompted rigorous testing across the hospital. In December, water samples on Crocus ward – an assessment unit for older people – picked up “significant” levels of legionella. As a precautionary measure, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) advised that the ward would be closed. The trust also worked with the HPA to put control measures in place across the Springfield site once the bacteria was detected. On the advice of the agency, affected areas were chlorinated and remedial plumbing work started. Dr Paul Crook, from the South West London Health Protection Unit, added: “We are working closely with the trust and national HPA legionella specialists to manage this problem. We would like to reassure the public that the disease cannot be spread from person to person.” Legionnaires’ disease is caused by legionella bacteria and is acquired through breathing in tiny droplets of water from an infected source. A spokesman for Springfield said the hospital regretted the inconvenience caused to patients and their families.

What is legionnaires’ disease?

* Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia * It mainly affects people over 50, men more than women * Early “flu-like” symptoms include muscle aches, tiredness, headaches, dry cough and fever. Diarrhoea and confusion may develop * The incubation period ranges from two to 10 days, sometimes up to 14 days and in rare cases some people may develop symptoms as late as three weeks after exposure * Cases are commonly caused by cooling towers, hot and cold water systems and spa pools * There are about 500 cases a year in England. Nationally detection rates have been increasing partly due to the availability of new diagnostic tests * In 2002, Barrow-in-Furness suffered the UK’s worst outbreak of legionnaires’ disease, where seven people died

Source : Surreycomet.co.uk

Legionnaires' decision defended

Scottish Parliament bosses have defended a decision not to release details of a Legionnaires' disease scare seven months ago. Bacteria which can cause the disease was found in the building's water supply, it has now emerged. But Holyrood bosses said there was "no risk" to anyone, and the contaminated source was immediately isolated following tests in June 2008. They said the incident had been "taken as a lesson for the future". The bacteria was discovered in two "seldom used" water outlets and traced back to a hot water tank inside 17th-century Queensberry House, which forms part of the Holyrood complex.

'Measures taken'

A Scottish Parliament spokesman admitted members of Holyrood's management group, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, expressed disappointment not to have been told about the find at the time. But Tory MSP Alex Johnstone, who sits on the group, said: "I'm happy it was dealt with at the time. It's been taken as a lesson for the future. "I'd be surprised if anything like this happened again." The bacteria - which can be found naturally in hot and cold water - can lead to flu-like symptoms, fever and pneumonia, if inhaled through vapour. The parliament spokesman said the findings were not revealed to MSPs because the risk was "not considered critical". "We are fully satisfied the measures taken ensured the risk to building users was controllable at all times," the spokesman added.

Source : BBC News Website

Legionnaires' bug at parliament

Bacteria which can cause Legionnaires' disease has been found for a second time in the Scottish Parliament. Raised levels of legionella were found in water outlets in 17th Century Queensberry House and Canongate areas, during tests in January. Holyrood chief executive Paul Grice said drinking water was not affected and there was no risk to the public. Last month, parliamentary authorities were criticised for not revealing a similar find eight months ago. In a notice to Holyrood building users, Mr Grice said swift action was taken during the latest find, and "early indications" had not thrown up raised levels of the bacteria elsewhere in the building. "The independent water quality expert has confirmed that the immediate actions we have taken are appropriate and that the water supply is safe," he said. "Beyond that, facilities management will be working with our experts to establish if any longer-term measures need to be taken." Last month, it emerged the bacteria was found in June 2008, also inside Queensberry House. Parliament bosses again said there was no health risk, but members of Holyrood's management group, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, expressed disappointment not to have been told about the find at the time.

Source : BBC News Website

Campaign to improve safety at care homes

A campeign to help prevent accidents in residential care homes is being backed by South Oxfordshire District Council. The authority will carry out a programme of targeted health and safety inspections on homes in the area. During these, officials will offer help to managers and owners, including information and advice on topics such as accidental scalding, slips and falls from a height and how to handle heavy or awkward loads. The council will also raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos and Legionnaires’ disease and the officials will carrying out safety assessments at the homes. South Oxfordshire is one of many councils backing the national campaign, run by the Health and Safety Executive. Over the past two years there have been more than 11,000 work-related accidents in care homes. The majority of these involved employees but 34 resulted in the deaths of people living in the homes. David Dodds, the district council’s cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “This extremely worthwhile initiative is a good example of partnership working to minimise the risk of injury to both care home employees and residents.”

Source : Henleystandard.co.uk

Memorial garden to Legion victims opens

A family say they can move on with their lives after paying respects to a loved one at a memorial garden to Barrow’s Legionnaires’ Disease victims. Seven people died and 172 were infected after deadly bacteria leaked out of the Barrow Borough Council-run arts centre, Forum 28, in summer 2002. Now more than six years on from the tragedy, a garden of remembrance has been created at St George’s Church, Barrow. And friends and family members of the seven victims gathered yesterday at the official unveiling of the memorial garden. They were joined by Barrow Mayor, Councillor Dave Roberts, and Mayoress Pauline Coats. Reverend Gary Weston led a short service in the memorial garden. George and Sarah Miles, husband and daughter of Legionnaires’ victim June, said the service gave them a some sense of closure. Mr Miles, of Schneider Road, Barrow, said: “I’ve been fed up, it’s nearly seven years. But let’s hope it’s all over now and let it rest. We’re just trying to get on with our lives now.” Mr Miles said the garden has been located in a fitting place, both for his family and the wider community. He said: “I’ve got a lot to do with this church. It’s a nice church and was my local church before St Luke’s. I used to live down Roose way. “It’s a nice square and it’s handy enough for people in the town. “I wouldn’t personally have liked it in the centre of town and not outside the town hall. Here, it’s not far to walk for people to come and pay their respects.” Cllr Roberts, accompanied by the mayoress, laid a wreath and said he had been assured the garden is a place “where the sun always shines”. He said: “We have been looking for somewhere appropriate for a long time now. After discussions with Reverend Jane Nattrass she suggested that we could possibly have a garden remembrance here. “It’s finally come together but it has taken a long time and for that we apologise. “But we just hope it will give some comfort to the families and give them somewhere to come and remember. And also for the people of Barrow, who now have a place to come and pay their respects.” Mr Weston, assistant priest at St George’s, said: “It’s a privilege to be able to provide this space so that people have got somewhere to come and spend some time with their thoughts. “The garden will be here long into the future and it’s a pleasure to serve the community with this space.”

Source : Nwemail.co.uk

A five-star hotel in Dubai is testing for Legionnaires' Disease after three guests contracted the illness

One of the guests of the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, British cricket scorer and broadcaster Bill Frindall, died on Thursday after leaving Dubai. A spokeswoman for the hotel said all tests for the bacterium that causes the disease had been negative so far but that checks were still being made. The disease is a form of pneumonia spread through airborne water droplets.

Cricket tour

The owner of the Westin hotel chain, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, said it was working with the Dubai authorities to find out how Frindall and the other two, unidentified, guests became infected. Sixty-nine-year-old Frindall was a guest of the hotel in mid-January, returning to the UK on 20 January from a tour to Dubai with his charity cricket team, the Lord's Taverners. The team said no other members were showing symptoms of Legionnaires' Disease. Tests by European and American experts on the Westin Dubai have so far not found the bacterium, Legionella, that causes the disease, said Starwood spokeswoman Amalie Craig. The disease has never been detected at the hotel, according to its own regular checks, she said. The Westin Dubai's staff has begun contacting guests to inform them of the three cases, Ms Craig said. People become infected by inhaling water droplets containing the bacterium, says the European Working Group for Legionella Infections (EWGLI) - a group of scientists working on the disease. Since the disease was first identified in 1976 - at a meeting of retired US military personnel, or legionnaires - outbreaks have been linked to hotels, cruise ships and other types of holiday accommodation. The Legionella bacterium only poses a risk if it gets into water distribution systems such as air conditioners or plumbing, says the EWGLI. About 5-15% of cases prove fatal, with elderly people most at risk.

SOURCE : BBC News Website

14/03/2005: Manslaughter charge for Council after Legionella outbreak

Barrow Council and its employee responsible for overseeing Legionella control have been prosecuted after 1 death and 172 serious illnesses, many of whom are now permanently disabled. Mrs Beckingham had cancelled a maintenance contract which lead to the outbreak that has now left victims such as Derrick Baker, a keen sportsman, needing 24 hour care from his wife having spent a year in hospital. Gillian Beckingham denies seven counts of manslaughter and her employers have pleaded not guilty on similar accounts as the trial, expected to continue for at least another ten weeks, continues. The case should make it clear to local authorities and building owners that Legionnaires disease should be taken seriously and that the courts will prosecute those who are responsible. To make sure your water systems are being treated as they should to the letter of the law please contact S.A.S today to discuss your requirements.

(Souce PHAM News No. 303)

27/05/2004: Legionella Closes Two Leisure Centres

A positive result in routine Legionella trace samples has temporarily closed two north east leisure centres. The Woodhouse Close Centre, Bishop Auckland and Spectrum Leisure Centre, Willington which are both owned by Wear Valley District Council were closed to the public while the infected systems were flushed and sanitised in line with the government Health and Safety Executives Approved Code of Practice L8 guidelines. Health and Safety consultant John Thompson reported that “The council is complying with all of the relevant codes of practice for dealing with water hygiene systems… and continued compliance will ensure that there will be no risk to the public.” The Woodhouse complex had expected to re-open within a day, however both sites now look set to stay closed for at least ten days as a safety precaution.