Legionella E-news -- 23 July 2003

**IN THIS ISSUE**
1. Rise in Reported LD Cases in US
2. Wisconsin Issues Legionella-Related Plumbing Codes
3. Swimming Pool Study Prompts Stricter Guidelines in the Netherlands 
4. Legionella Training Course in Maryland (USA), Oct. 2003
5. Audio and Internet Seminars Scheduled for September

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1. RISE IN REPORTED LD CASES IN US ==================================================================
Federal and state health officials cannot explain the sharp rise in reported Legionnaires' cases in the US this year. As of the first week in July, 624 cases had been reported to the CDC, compared to 436 for the same period last year. In some regions of the country the numbers are double or triple those reported for the corresponding period last year. The 197 cases reported in the CDC's South Atlantic region was more than double last year's 95 cases. As of 11 July this year, 54 cases have been reported in Maryland, including four deaths, compared to the 56 confirmed cases in all of 2002, according to Melinda Blackburn, an epidemiologist at the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Health officials from Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina held a conference call with CDC officials to discuss the situation. The officials say that the cases appear to be random, and that they have not identified any specific outbreak or source of contamination. Source: Associated Press 

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2. WISCONSIN ISSUES LEGIONELLA-RELATED PLUMBING CODES
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The State of Wisconsin has introduced plumbing codes aimed at minimizing Legionella bacteria in health care facility plumbing systems. The new codes became effective May 2003. The code requirements are not perfect, but it's a step in the right direction in recognizing that minimizing legionellae in plumbing systems will lower the incidence of Legionnaires' disease. Perhaps other states will follow suit. To see a summary of the new codes, go to http://commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-PubsConstructReportJuly03.html#11. (paste this URL into your browser, including the period after html #11). Look for "11. What's new in the plumbing code?  Health care hot water supply requirements."  

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3. SWIMMING POOL STUDY PROMPTS STRICTER GUIDELINES IN THE NETHERLANDS ==================================================================
The Dutch Government said it would introduce stricter regulations after it found Legionella bacteria in more than 40 percent of swimming pools investigated. The study apparently included private as well as public pools. Legionella was found in 9% of the 96 hotel swimming pools tested. Pieter van Geel, Deputy Minister for the Environment Ministry,  said the large number of infected pools shows that current measures to halt the bacteria have failed and new regulations are needed to get hotel and swimming pool owners to protect against the bacteria. The current regulations were enacted after the 1999 outbreak that involved 242 cases of Legionnaires' disease, including 28 deaths. The outbreak was blamed on a whirlpool spa on display at a trade show.  

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4. LEGIONELLA TRAINING COURSE IN MARYLAND (USA), OCT 2003
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The Legionella Prevention Training Course is scheduled for 29-30 October 2003 in Dunkirk, Maryland, at the brand new training facility operated by Patuxent Environmental Group. Dunkirk is 40 miles from BWI Airport and about 34 miles from Reagan National Airport. The course will include: 

* Background facts

* Government and Industry Guidelines

* Legal Issues and Risk Reduction Strategies

* Preventive Measures for Domestic Water Systems, Cooling Towers, and Other Devices

* Sampling Methodology

* Disease Response Plan

* Domestic Water Disinfection

* Case Studies

The tuition is US$575. Seating is limited so register early. For more information, go to http://www.hcinfo.com/legionella2daycourse.htm. 

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5. AUDIO AND INTERNET SEMINARS SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER
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The courses cost US$159 each and range from 60 to 90 minutes in length. Here are the titles: 

* Waterborne Pathogens: Illness, Prevalence, and Risk Reduction Strategies
* Legionnaires' Disease: Update on Diagnosis, Treatment, Microbiology, Environmental Monitoring, and Disinfection
* Legionnaires' Disease: Guidelines, Litigation, and Risk Management
* Minimizing Conditions for Legionella and Other Bacteria in Domestic Water Systems
* Reducing the Risk of Legionella in Cooling Towers
* How to Sample Water Systems for Legionella
* Disinfecting Potable Water Systems 

For dates and times and other details, go to http://hcinfo.com.

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THANK YOU! 

Matt Freije, Editor
HC Information Resources Inc.

Tel: 760-494-3063
Fax: 619-839-3166
hcinfo@hcinfo.com
http://hcinfo.com