Rising Concern: Increasing Legionella Water Pipes Discovered

Legionella in water pipes – Legionella is usually transferred through atomized water, for instance in whirlpools, showers, through taps, or humidifiers. It can induce flu-like symptoms and even extreme pneumonia. In Baden-Württemberg, several individuals have reported that the disease Legionella has grown. As stated by the Ministry of Social Affairs, 222 patients were registered at the end of July. In total 2023, the cases were about 350, and in 2022 there were about 248. 

The Robert Koch Institute ( RKI ), potential reasons for the typically increasing numbers could be more suitable detection of patients, aging residents, and differences in the climate. The mixture of high temperatures and more rain seems to be directing to more chances of Legionellosis, reports the RKI.

Whirlpools Lead Risk to Infection

In general, more chances of legionellosis are registered in summer and autumn. The explanations for this could be the journey during the vacation season and the associated chance of infection, like swimming in whirlpools, as given by RK. Also, the bacteria can reproduce more efficiently in the water in the lines in the home, which are not regularly returned while locals are on holiday. In expansion, the higher temperatures are appropriate for the development of legionella.

To rescue yourself from Legionella, the Ministry of Social Affairs suggests occasionally driving the water in empty flats and homes as well as in rarely operated showers and sinks. 

The bacteria are located in low attention almost every place in water. They find ideal development requirements at temperatures that lie between 25 and 45 degrees. RKI stated, that at water temperatures exceeding 55 degrees. The development of the bacteria is hindered, and at temperatures exceeding 60 degrees, the germs pass.

Legionella in Water Pipes- People Died from Legionellosis 

The ministry is accountable for the grade of drinking water fibs with the waterworks. It guarantees that the water contacts the pipes of the structures. Proprietors of larger residential structures, on the other hand, are obliged under specific requirements to have the drinking water contained for at least three years. 

If a specific limit for legionella is surpassed, the local health officer must be notified. This in favor will help to eradicate the situation. According to details from the Ministry of Social Affairs, the problematic legionella happenings in the past.

According to the ministry, the number of people who died from Legionellosis has even increased to the last year: by the back of July, there were ten individuals, corresponding to 13 last year. In 2022, there were about 26.

Diabetics and Immunocompromised People Risk from Legionella

Individuals with a depleted immune system or with specific underlying conditions like diabetes or heart and lung conditions are especially sensitive to Legionella. Smokers and more senior people are also believed to be in greater danger. The disease is terminal in five to ten percent of cases.

According to the Ministry of Health, the latest major attack of legionellosis in Baden-Württemberg appeared in the autumn of 2023. According to the metropolis of Stuttgart. An aggregate of 39 women and men dropped ill between August and November and were hospitalized but none was dead. 

The health division and the environmental security agency finally accepted that an evaporative cooling method in the city center was the origin of the conditions and whipped it off. “Evaporative cooling techniques are employed in technical systems to haul away the heat caused there.” The Federal Environment Agency reports regarding the systems.