Legionella E-news -- 27 March 2007
Legionella E-news, 27
March 2007
HC Information Resources Inc.
Matthew R. Freije, Editor
**IN THIS ISSUE**
1. Travel-associated LD in 2005 in Europe
2. Hospitals Needed for Filter Study
3. Legionella Management Plans: Free book offer ends 13 April
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1. TRAVEL-ASSOCIATED LD IN 2005 IN EUROPE
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The European Working Group for Legionella Infections (EWGLI) received
reports of 752 cases of travel-associated Legionnaires’ disease with
onset in 2005, which breaks the previous record of 677 set in 2002.
Among the 18 countries that reported cases, the highest numbers reported
were in the UK (202 cases), France (157), the Netherlands (134), and
Italy (96). The death rate was lower in 2005 than in 2004, 3.8% versus
5.6%, due possibly to diagnosing a greater number of milder cases. Male
cases outnumbered female cases 2.5 to 1. Ages ranged from 13 to 93
years, with the median age for males at 59 and females at 60. A total of
122 accommodation sites (e.g., hotels) were investigated, nine of which
were posted on the EWGLI website for failure to report information or
implement appropriate control measures on time. The full report is
available from Eurosurveillance monthly at http://www.eurosurveillance.org/em/v12n01/1201-228.asp.
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2. HOSPITALS NEEDED FOR FILTER STUDY
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Matt Freije is conducting a study to evaluate the efficacy of
point-of-use (POU) dual stage hollow fiber membrane filters (Nephros
Inc., www.nephros.com) for Legionella control in hospital potable water
systems.
Some hospitals have attempted to control Legionella bacteria in potable
water systems by continuous treatment with disinfectants such as
copper-silver ions or chlorine dioxide. Although these disinfection
technologies have been generally successful in some instances, neither
has been effective in controlling Legionella at infrequently used
faucets and showers (outlets) because of inadequate contact time. POU
filters may therefore be an effective supplemental remedial measure at
infrequently used outlets, and perhaps at outlets located in certain
high-risk patient areas.
At each participating hospital, the filters will be tested on two or
three outlets. Test filters will be placed only on outlets that have
consistently tested positive for Legionella bacteria so that a good
comparison can be made between test results for filtered and unfiltered
water. Water samples will be tested for Legionella and possibly for
Pseudomonas and total bacteria also. The hospitals will not be charged
for the test filters or laboratory analyses. The manufacturer will
assist in installing the filters on faucets and showers. Hospitals
interested in participating should contact Matt Freije at 760-494-3063
or mf@hcinfo.com (please type “filter study” as the email subject). All
inquiries will be held in strict confidence.
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3. LEGIONELLA MANAGEMENT PLANS: FREE BOOK OFFER ENDS 13 APRIL
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The management plans read like an in-house policy manual. Each is
available in print (softcover) or on a CD for US$149 plus shipping, or
can be downloaded at www.hcinfo.com for $119. There are three, by
building type:
Hospitals: http://hcinfo.com/318info.htm
Nursing Homes and Senior Living Facilities: http://hcinfo.com/319info.htm
Hotels: http://hcinfo.com/320info.htm
Through 13 April 2007, a free copy of Legionellae Control in Health Care
Facilities: A Guide for Minimizing Risk will be provided with each
management plan purchased. If you download a management plan in PDF,
we’ll still mail the free book to you.
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(c) Copyright 2007, HC
Information Resources Inc.
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HC Information Resources Inc. provides consulting services (facility
assessments, domestic water disinfection recommendations, management
plans, litigation support), seminars, publications, research, and
training pertaining to Legionella and other waterborne pathogens.
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