Seoul's Eunpyeong-gu said it will conduct environmental inspections for Legionella bacteria at public-use facilities across the district through Aug. 31 to prevent summer infectious diseases.
Legionellosis is a Class 3 infectious disease transmitted through the respiratory tract when water contaminated with Legionella bacteria spreads through the air as fine droplets, or aerosols.
The disease does not spread between people and typically occurs through exposure to Legionella that has multiplied in water supply systems such as cooling towers, showerheads and faucets. Elderly people and those with chronic conditions who have weakened immune systems face a heightened risk of developing severe pneumonia and should take particular care.
The inspections will cover cooling tower water and water supply systems at public facilities including general hospitals, long-term care hospitals, large buildings and social welfare facilities. Any facility where Legionella is detected will be required to immediately clean and disinfect the affected areas, with follow-up inspections to verify compliance with management standards.
The district also plans to advise facility managers on preventive measures — including regular cleaning and disinfection of water supply systems and cooling towers and maintaining appropriate water temperatures — to stop the bacteria from multiplying in the first place.
Thorough facility management is key to preventing legionellosis, including regularly cleaning and disinfecting cooling towers and water supply systems and maintaining proper residual chlorine levels. Anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing is advised to visit a medical institution promptly.
"Legionellosis is an infectious disease that can be fully prevented through rigorous management of water supply systems within facilities," an Eunpyeong-gu Public Health Center official said. "We will do our utmost to ensure residents can use facilities with peace of mind through regular environmental inspections and preventive management."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
