In the last two decades, we have seen a significant increase in the number of Legionella outbreaks worldwide. In 2018, health departments in the US reported nearly 10,000 cases of Legionnaires’ disease, but the true number of cases has been estimated to be 1.8–2.7 times higher. Legionella bacteria are found naturally in freshwater environments, like lakes and streams. The bacteria can become a health concern when they grow and spread in human-made building water systems (e.g., cooling towers, showerheads, hot tubs, decorative fountains, hot water tanks). In building systems, Legionella can be transmitted when it is inhaled after aerosolization. While water management plans exist for building owners to reduce the risk of Legionella growth, spread and transmission, our understanding of the distribution, persistence and risk associated with Legionella in wastewater systems is much less certain. This webcast has three objectives: a) To familiarize WEF audiences with the biology, epidemiology and control of Legionella in potable water and building systems; b) To highlight what we know and don’t know about Legionella distribution, persistence and risk in wastewater systems based on the peer-reviewed literature; and c) To discuss strategies to manage risk associated with occupational Legionella exposure in collection systems and wastewater treatment plants.
Presenters:
- Andrew J Whelton, Purdue University
- ÉMILIE BÉDARD, Polytechnique Montreal
- Mark W. LeChevallier, Ph.D., Dr. Water Consulting, LLC
PDH Credits will be available for attendees following this event on this platform. Please look for further information to come.
