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Legionella hiding in the home
Last updated on January 27, 2025.
What is Legionellosis?
Legionellosis is an infectious disease caused by inhaling splashes containing Legionella spp. It is divided into "regionella pneumonia", which causes symptoms such as high fever and dyspnea, and "pontac fever", which causes symptoms such as fever and muscle pain.
| Disease type | Legionella pneumonia | Pontiac fever |
|---|---|---|
| Main symptoms | High fever, dyspnea, muscle pain, nausea, diarrhea, impaired consciousness | Fever, cold, and muscle pain |
| Incubation period | 2-10 days | 12 hours to 3 days |
| Features | It may become severe rapidly. Life-threatening | It is generally mild and can be cured in a few days. |
There is no human-to-human transmission, but widespread splashes containing Legionella spp. can cause outbreaks.
Where is Legionella spp.
Legionella spp. It inhabits the natural world, such as soil, rivers, ponds, swamps, and hot springs, and grows in wet water (parasitic on protos and algae such as Ameba).
In the home, Legionella spp. Legionella spp. can grow in places where hot water and dirt accumulate, such as remaining hot water in the bath or chasing pipes, and inhaling the splash may cause legionellosis. Also, if the portable humidifier is not properly managed, caution is required because bacteria that have grown internally may be scattered along with splashes. In the past, there have been cases of infection caused by ultrasonic humidifiers.
Measures to prevent legionellosis in the home
At home, Legionella spp. can easily grow in the following places, so proper management is required.
Enlightenment handbill "measures against legionellosis at home" (PDF: 999KB)
Bathtub
Points of Management
・Let's change the hot water in the bathtub every day.
・Use a sponge or detergent to clean the inside of the bathtub and the outlet of the hot water.
・Use a pipe cleaning agent for the piping of the bath to discharge dirt regularly.
Shower head
Points of Management
・Let the water pass regularly to prevent hot water from accumulating for a long time.
・Clean the surface with a sponge or brush.
・If parts can be removed, decompose them and soak them in disinfectants to remove internal dirt.
Portable humidifier
Points of Management
・Replace and clean the tank every day to prevent slime inside.
・Let's manage according to the manufacturer's instruction manual.
・If you do not use it for a long time, drain the water and dry it well.
Home garden
・Wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust.
・Wear gloves when touching the soil, and wash your hands thoroughly after work.
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Inquiries to this page
Health Sanitation Division, Medical Care Bureau Health and Safety Department
Phone: 045-671-2456
Phone: 045-671-2456
Fax: 045-641-6074
E-Mail address [email protected]
Page ID: 347-375-979
