Legionella
E-news -- 27 April 2004
Legionella E-news, 27
April 2004
HC Information Resources Inc.
Matthew R. Freije, Editor
**IN THIS ISSUE**
1. Outbreak in Austria Possibly Associated with Whirlpool Display
2. Five Cases, Three Deaths, in Italian Hospital
3. Review: Course on Microorganisms
4. Discovery of Legionella
5. New NSF Course on Waterborne Pathogens
6. New ASPE Seminar on Legionella Control in Plumbing Systems
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1. OUTBREAK IN AUSTRIA POSSIBLY ASSOCIATED WITH WHIRLPOOL DISPLAY
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Legionnaires' disease was confirmed by urinary antigen in three men,
between 42 and 65 years of age, who attended a trade show in Austria
from 5 to 7 March 2004. All three were hospitalized. The 65-year-old
patient developed multiorgan failure and required mechanical ventilation
and hemodialysis for 11 days, but was reported in stable condition
earlier this month. The three men had visited a whirlpool display at the
exhibition at approximately the same time. No additional cases have been
detected since 31 March. The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety
is investigating. Source: Eurosurveillance Weekly
Whirlpool displays have been implicated in previous Legionnaires'
outbreaks. 192 confirmed cases, including 21 deaths, were blamed on a
whirlpool display at a flower show in the Netherlands in 1999.
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2. FIVE CASES, THREE DEATHS, IN ITALIAN HOSPITAL
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Five cases of Legionnaires' disease occurred in a hospital in Matera,
Italy, during the first quarter of this year. All five patients were
elderly or HIV-infected; three have died. The report stated that the
hospital plumbing system has been disinfected, but nothing was mentioned
about a risk assessment or ongoing water treatment.
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3. REVIEW: COURSE ON MICROORGANISMS
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Earlier this month I attended Aerotech's course "The Science Behind
Microorganisms" and found it to provide an excellent overview of the
subject. The five instructors varied in presentation skills but each
demonstrated good knowledge of their subject area. The course covered
bacteria, fungi, human illness, bioterrorism agents, medical uses, and
industrial uses. For more information, go to http://www.aerotechtraining.com/register.aspx.
--MRF
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4. DISCOVERY OF LEGIONELLA
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An interesting article about the discovery of Legionella is posted at
http://www.icr.org/headlines/legionnairesdisease.html. It highlights
research by Joseph McDade and Carl Fliermans. Many thanks to Denis Green
for providing the link to this article.
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5. NEW NSF COURSE ON WATERBORNE PATHOGENS
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NSF International will host the new course "Waterborne Pathogens:
Minimizing Risk Associated with Building Water Systems" in conjunction
with HC Information Resources Inc. The course will be held May 18, 2004
at NSF's headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan (USA).
Kelly Reynolds, Ph.D., an environmental science researcher and public
health educator at the University of Arizona, will begin the seminar
with an overview of several waterborne pathogens, discussing
microbiology, associated illnesses, exposure routes, prevention, water
treatment, and control.
Matt Freije will cover government regulations and industry guidelines
for Legionella, outlining risk reduction strategies for hospitals,
hotels, office buildings, and industrial facilities. Recommendations
will be given for implementing preventive measures and disinfection
methods, and for reducing legal risk. Attendees will also see television
news clips covering outbreaks and prevention.
The tuition of US$445 includes a course manual, copy of Legionellae
Control in Health Care Facilities: A Guide for Minimizing Risk,
certificate, and 0.6 CEUs.
To register or get more information, telephone NSF at 1-800-673-6275
(734-769-8010 outside the USA), or go to www.nsf.org/cphe or
www.hcinfo.com.
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6. NEW ASPE SEMINAR ON LEGIONELLA CONTROL IN PLUMBING SYSTEMS
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The American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) will present the
one-day seminar "Legionella in Plumbing Systems: Protecting Occupants
and Reducing Legal Risk" on 13 May in Atlanta, 27 May in Dallas, and 17
June in Randolph (Boston).
Taught by Matt Freije, the workshop will cover background facts about
Legionnaires' disease and Legionella bacteria, preventive measures for
the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of plumbing
systems, and disinfection methods.
The tuition of US$475 includes a course manual, certificate, and 0.6
CEUs. Members of ASPE, PHCC, MCAA, or PCA receive a discount.
For more information, go to
http://www.hcinfo.com/seminarplumbing_aspe.htm.
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(c) Copyright 2004, HC Information Resources Inc.
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THANK YOU!
Matt Freije
mf@hcinfo.com
--
HC Information Resources Inc.
Tel: 760-494-3063
Fax: 619-839-3166
hcinfo@hcinfo.com
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