The problem was traced to a build-up of Legionella bacteria in the hotel’s airconditioning system.
The chances of catching Legionnaire’s Disease is very small. Infection occurs when the bacteria multiplies in large quantities and is breathed into the lungs. The disease is not transmitted from person to person and does not occur from drinking contaminated water. Symptoms include fever, chills, aches and pains, cough, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Those most at risk are people with respiratory problems and lowered immunity, especially the elderly, diabetics, smokers and people who drink a lot of alcohol.
Now is a good time to check and clean airconditioning systems and domestic spa pools as cooler weather means appliances are being turned on less frequently. Ducted and mobile evaporative systems, which use water as a coolant, provide ideal conditions for the organism to multiply. Refrigerated systems do not collect bacteria and pose no risk.
About 25 per cent of Legionnaire’s cases are caused by a different strain of legionella which only lives in potting mix and soil so always wear gloves and a mask.
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