Building unit shutdowns may increase risk for Legionnaires’ disease Environmental health inspectors from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are cautioning the responsible staff (Maintenance Directors, Facility operators, etc.) of health facilities to be aware and take appropriate precautions to prevent this Legionnaires’ disease and protect the safety of your residents, patients, visitors, employees, and surrounding communities.
Legionnaires’ (LEE-juh-nares) disease is a serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by Legionella (LEE-juh-nell-a) bacteria. People can get sick when they breathe in small droplets of water or accidently swallow water containing Legionella into the lungs. Many areas (hallways, patient rooms, stations, supportive service rooms, etc.) of health care buildings were forced to temporarily shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the plumbing systems providing water to these areas may have been neglected or not properly maintained. This increases the incidence of stagnant or standing water, which increases the risk of Legionella or other biofilm-related diseases. Common sources of Legionella can be found in faucets, pipes, cooling equipment, showers, drinking water, ice machines, water tanks, etc. The department’s Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance (HCQC) encourages facility staff to use the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) web page linked here to learn about Legionnaires’ disease. In addition, the toolkit provided in the CDC link can be used to create and apply routine control measures to prevent Legionella exposure. Contact HCQC’s Environmental Health staff at 775-684-1061 with any further questions or concerns.
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AuthorThe Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance (HCQC) licenses medical and other health facilities, child care facilities and personnel, and medical laboratories and personnel in Nevada. HCQC also conducts compliance surveys and takes complaints. Archives
October 2023
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