Beware of Legionnaire's Disease! [ENG]

Legionnaire's disease is a disease of the respiratory system, which is caused by a bacteria of the genus Legionella, which affects the lungs. Legionella bacteria are shaped bacilli, which is shaped like a rod. It is much smaller than bacteria bacillus 0.5-1.0 m in width and length of 1-3μm. Legionella bacteria has two life cycle phases, namely phase and later phase of infective replication, which in the first phase of the infective bacteria grow flagella to facilitate movement.

Legionnaires' disease was first detected in 1976 in Philadelphia, when at that time a total of 221 people have been infected. Of these, 34 people have died. The epidemic began spreading to other states, such as Spain and Ibiza, but Malaysia is no exception. Although there was only one reported case in Malaysia, and does not cause death, but the disease will continue to spread, if no preventive measures undertaken.

A case study was conducted in Malaysia by the Faculty of Medicine UiTM Shah Alam, namely blood and urine samples were taken from a victim. The diagnosis revealed that the victim was suffering from Legionnaires' disease. Legionella is a serious bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia. But a less serious infections will only cause Pontiac fever victims, namely moderate systemic disease with symptoms similar to influenza and pneumonia will not suffer. Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever is the same, namely:

·         Cough

·         Difficulty breathing

·         Fever

·         Muscle aches

·         Headache

These bacteria can be found in natural aquatic systems, ie rivers and lakes and man-made water systems, such as the hot tub, spa, sauna, cooling tower, water fountain and a shower head. These bacteria are spread through droplets in the air and enter the human respiratory system. Large buildings, such as museums, hospitals, hotels and office buildings, are more susceptible to Legionella contamination. However, it may also occur in homes or schools. Ground water management systems in these buildings is one of the causes of the spread of these bacteria. An environment that encourages bacterial growth is moderately warm temperatures (20 ° C - 45 ° C), stagnant water, sludge, rust product, and biofilm. Biofilm is a group of bacteria that stick together on a surface.

Developed countries like the United States, Singapore and the United Kingdom have been enforcing the indoor air quality industry codes of practice such as ASHRAE Standard 188-2015 (US) and Singapore Standard Code of Practice 13: 1980 (Singapore), which is below the government has sanctioned this code owner and contractor compliance with the requirements and design of ventilation systems and water management systems in their buildings.

In Malaysia there are also codes of practice that should be practiced, the Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality, 2010, under the code A.1.4.3, otherwise the building-related diseases, namely Legionnaire's disease. However, Malaysia is not fully applied against the code of practice requires that in these countries. Under this code, it is stated that the building owner must check the duct network, pengenyahlembab, the inner surface of the building, cooling coil, filters and any system component mechanical ventilation and air conditioning (MVAC) regularly at least every 6 months. Since there is no vaccine available for this disease, it is recommended that preventive measures adopted because "Prevention is better than cure".