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What is Legionnaires’ disease, is Legionella bacteria in water butts and what are the symptoms for the infection?

There is a 10 per cent risk of death for those who catch Legionnaires' disease

Lauren Windle

Published: 22:20, 16 Jul 2018
Updated: 22:25, 16 Jul 2018

LEGIONNAIRES' disease is a form of pneumonia which is caused by a specific type of Legionella bacteria.

But what exactly is it and how is it treated? Here's all you need to know...

The disease can be fatal for those with existing conditions or the elderlyCredit: Getty - Contributor

What is Legionnaires' disease?

Legionnaires' disease is a serious lung infection which is caused by Legionella bacteria.

It is usually transmitted by inhaling small droplets of infected water but it can't be passed on from person to person.

There can be small, harmless amounts of the bacteria in water sources like ponds and rivers.

But if it gets into an environment where it can grow, such as an air conditioning system, it will multiply quickly.

In July 2018, scientists warned those using water butts to wash their cars and hose their gardens risked exposing themselves to Legionella bacteria.

A scientific paper seen by warned: "The presence of legionellae in collected rainwater and their aerosolisation through gardening activities like hosepipe use may have important public health consequences."

Legionnaires' disease is a lung infection caused by Legionella bacteriaCredit: Getty - Contributor

What are the signs and symptoms of Legionnaires' disease?

The initial symptoms are very similar to that of the flu.

People are likely to suffer from:

Headaches
Muscle pain
High temperatures
Tiredness
Chills

But when the bacteria spreads to the individual's lungs the symptoms are more similar to that of pneumonia:

Chest pains
A persistent cough
Shortness of breath

It usually takes between six and seven days for the full-blown infection to kick in after infection.

Water butts could be a potential source of infectionCredit: Alamy

Is Legionella bacteria in water butts?

Scientists at Porton Down found that 95 per cent of Britain's water butts carry Legionnaires' disease.

That means any water used from that butt, which collects rainwater, has the potential to spread the disease.

The findings present a tricky situation from Ofwat, the water regulator, who advised tap water shouldn’t be used for gardening or car washing due to water shortages.

What treatments are available for Legionnaires' disease?

Legionnaires' disease can be treated with antibiotics which are taken as a tablet or capsule or they can even be administered through a drip in the arm.

The length of the treatment depends on the severity of the infection but it would usually last about a week.

Around 90 per cent of people with Legionnaires' disease make a full recovery but those with a pre-existing condition or the elderly could be more at risk from infection.

There has been an outbreak in New YorkCredit: Getty - Contributor

What's happened at Washington Heights in Manhattan?

An outbreak of Legionnaires' left at least 11 people unwell in upper Manhattan in July 2018.

The number of cases soon jumped to 16, with health officials inspecting 20 water cooling towers.

Several building owners have been instructed to increase their use of biocides to kill the bacteria causing Legionnaires’ disease.

Ten were taken to hospital for treatment with authorities rushing to try and find the cause of the outbreak.

Dr Mary Bassett, the city health commissioner said: "This disease is very treatable with antibiotics and I encourage anyone with symptoms of Legionnaires' disease to seek care early."