Stuttgart- They lurk in the shower and can cause severe pneumonia – now experts are sounding the Legionella alarm!
The reason: In Baden-Wurttemberg According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, 222 people had become ill with Legionella by the end of July this year. An extreme increase, because in the whole of 2023 there were 350, and in 2022 a total of 248.
According to the ministry, the number of people who ultimately died from Legionellosis has also increased: by the end of July, ten people had died – last year there were a total of 13. However, the number in 2022 was still 26.
Climate change as a possible cause
Loud Robert Koch Institute (RKI) possible reasons for the increasing numbers could be better detection of cases. But: the aging population and changes in the climate could also be the cause. The combination of high temperatures and more rain seems to be leading to more cases.
Legionella is transmitted through atomized water
Legionella can cause flu-like symptoms and even severe pneumonia in humans. The pathogens are often transmitted through atomized water, for example in showers, whirlpools or humidifiers.
Also the Holiday time is a potential danger: water that stands in the pipes of apartments during longer absences can be infected with legionella.
The bacteria are found in small concentrations almost everywhere in Water They find ideal growth conditions at temperatures between 25 and 45 degrees. According to the RKI, the growth of bacteria is inhibited at water temperatures above 55 degrees. At temperatures above 60 degrees, the germs die.
Protection against Legionella
Older or sick people are particularly susceptible to Legionella. Smokers also become ill more frequently.
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To protect yourself from Legionella, the Ministry of Social Affairs recommends occasionally running the water in empty apartments and houses as well as in rarely used showers and sinks.