Aquafine technical paper on UV solutions for prevention of Nosocomial Legionella
Outbreaks of nosocomial Legionnaires disease might easily exist unnoticed in a hospital, resulting in patient illness or possible patient mortality. Hospital buildings have complex water systems increasing the risk for Legionella infection outbreaks, and studies indicate implementing UV water treatment technology is a proven solution.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of the bacteria Legionella, a pneumonia contracted by ingesting water that has been contaminated with the bacteria. Legionella bacteria are found naturally in the environment, usually water and thrives in warm water, common for spas, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, or parts of the large facility airconditioning systems.
Infection control professionals, supported by hospital administrators, health care facility personnel and engineers, should select and evaluate the specific disinfection solution. Proactive routine environmental cultures for hospital water allow for effective prevention of this high-profile hospital-acquired infection.
The University of Virginia hospital experienced an epidemic of nosocomial Legionella micdadei, infecting the rooms of renal transplant patients. Following the outbreak, the location installed new water pipes and Aquafine UV water treatment equipment, proven effective in preventing water contamination with Legionella from flowing into transplant rooms. Aquafine UV technology was installed in the main water supply for the new 700 bed hospital building across the street in which the 13 year study was performed.