Definitions for "Legionella"
The bacterium which causes legionnaires’ disease, a pneumonia which is caught by inhaling contaminated water (e.g. from taking a shower). It is never spread person-to-person. One case would represent a serious incident.
Legionella are bacteria. They can be found in all types of water supplies and under certain conditions such as warm temperature and slow movement can proliferate to hazardous levels resulting in the possibility of susceptible people contacting Legionnaires Disease. They can also be found in moist soil and air. In water systems where stagnant water and warm temperatures (22°C to 55°C) are experienced, Legionella can multiply rapidly. There are systems available that can help control Legionnaires Disease hazards through temperature control and through dosing systems utilising chemicals to kill the bacteria.
the motile aerobic rod-shaped Gram-negative bacterium that thrives in centralheating and air conditioning systems and can cause Legionnairs' disease