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Legionella Risks in the UK – Stats and Advice

January 17th, 2025

Last updated: January 17th, 2025

Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, continues to pose significant public health risks in the UK. Understanding the statistics and geographical distribution of Legionella outbreaks is crucial for both raising awareness and taking preventative measures and a report was released last year that gathered data regarding the risks and some statistics about legionella risks in the UK.

This guide delves into the data and highlights the steps businesses can take to protect customers and employees.

The Statistics on Legionella Risks in the UK

In 2023, 604 confirmed cases of Legionellosis were reported in England and Wales, all of which were identified as Legionnaires’ disease. Compared to previous years, the numbers reflect a worrying upward trend. The majority of cases occurred in males (70.2%) and individuals aged 60 and over (64.2%). Notably, smoking was reported as a risk factor in 80.5% of cases, highlighting its strong association with susceptibility to the disease.

The estimated incidence rate in England was 1.0 per 100,000 people, slightly lower than Wales’ 1.4 per 100,000 people, although these figures fall within overlapping error margins. Community exposure was the most common source, accounting for 62.7% of cases, while 35.1% were linked to travel abroad. Healthcare settings were responsible for just 2.2% of cases, emphasising the relative rarity of healthcare-associated infections.

Geographical Distribution

Regional variations in the number of cases highlight some key areas of concern. The South East recorded the highest number of cases (100 cases) while the East and West Midlands had the highest rates per capita (1.2 cases per 100,000 population). In contrast, the North East had the lowest incidence, with only 17 cases and a rate of 0.6 per 100,000 population.

The data suggests that factors such as population density and environmental conditions might influence regional case rates. While Wales reported higher incidence rates than England, overlapping error bars in the data suggest that this difference might not be statistically significant.

Protecting Against Legionella – A Business Responsibility

Given the risks associated with Legionnaires’ disease, businesses have a critical role to play in prevention. Water systems, cooling towers, and any environment that generates aerosolised water droplets can harbor Legionella bacteria. Implementing proactive measures not only safeguards public health but also reduces the risk of costly legal fallout. Though the disease is not extremely common, it has a high mortality rate comparatively, which means it should be taken very seriously by businesses.

Regular Testing and Monitoring

Routine testing is one of the most effective ways to detect Legionella bacteria before they become a problem. Specialised testing kits and laboratory analysis can identify contamination in water systems, helping businesses take immediate action to address issues.

Risk Assessments

Conducting a comprehensive risk assessment is another vital step. This involves identifying all water systems within a facility, evaluating the likelihood of Legionella growth, and implementing control measures. UK regulations, such as the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) guidelines, emphasise the importance of maintaining accurate records of these assessments.

Proper Water System Maintenance

Keeping water systems clean and well-maintained is key to preventing Legionella from growing and causing problems. This type of Legionella control includes:

  • Regular flushing of pipes.
  • Cleaning and descaling water tanks and cooling towers.
  • Maintaining appropriate water temperatures (hot water above 60°C and cold water below 20°C).

These actions disrupt the conditions that allow Legionella bacteria to thrive, such as stagnant water and the presence of biofilm.

Training and Awareness

Educating employees about Legionella risks and prevention strategies is another essential component. Proper training ensures that staff understand how to identify potential hazards and take corrective actions. Businesses can also work with specialists to develop tailored Legionella management plans.

Doing Your Bit to Prevent Legionella

The rising incidence of Legionnaires’ disease in the UK highlights the ongoing need for vigilance. While the majority of cases occur in the community, businesses have a responsibility to ensure their facilities do not contribute to the problem.

Prevention is often the best cure, a proactive approach to Legionella management can save lives. If you need any advice on the topic, feel free to contact us today for Legionella testing and guidance in Yorkshire and the North of England. For the best Legionella control services in Yorkshire, contact us today at 01423 226578 or send an enquiry and we’ll get back to you.

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