PHO Rounds: Legionella Outbreak Investigations: A Practical Approach, Part II

Legionella is a bacteria that resides in the environment, usually contracted by inhalation of contaminated aerosolized water from human made water systems. Exposure can result in Pontiac fever, a self-limited flu-like illness or Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. This three-part series will provide a practical overview of public health investigations of legionellosis, including assessment of the epidemiology, potential environmental sources, appropriate clinical and environmental testing, and environmental control and remediation.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe an environmental risk assessment and sampling plan components (e.g., health and safety considerations, sample collection) for a Legionella investigation.
• Discuss the interpretation of environmental, epidemiological and laboratory data in the investigation of Legionella outbreaks.
• Describe control and remediation measures for Legionella in water systems.

Presenter(s): Kelly Briscoe and Anna Majury