Detailed information on disease of Legionaries is provided by the National Public Health Organization (EYE), who continues their actions to prevent travelers visiting Greece.
The aim of the actions of EDYY for the disease is to ensure public health and to enhance the safety and quality of the tourism services provided.
In the framework of the new tourist season for the year 2025, information sessions have been planned on “Prevention of Legionaria Disease in Travelers in Greece”.
The workshops are held in collaboration with the Magnesia and Sporades Regional Unit and are addressed to the owners/tourist managers in the following cities:
Specifically events will take place in Volos on May 24 and Skiathos on May 26th.
The main objective of the workshops is to provide a valid scientific briefing of the owners/managers of tourist accommodation on how to transmit and the prevention measures of the Legionaria disease in order to protect the health of our country’s visitors.
General Information on Legonaria Disease
Legionelosis is acute bacterial infection of the respiratory system caused by the bacteria of the genus Legionellae.
There are 50 different kinds of leyonella, of which 28 have been associated with human disease, More frequently being Legionella pneumophila (18 serogroups, most often the disease is due to serum 1 and serum 6).
More specifically exist two different clinics Disease entities:
– the fever Pontiacwhich is a self -limiting infection that looks like a fluid subscription.
– The disease of Legionarionwhich is mainly manifested as pneumonia, potentially fatal in 5-30% of cases.
In summary, Legionella is widespread in nature and is found in most water systems.
Easily colonizes all water supply systems, hot and cold water supply network.
Environments that favor the growth of Legionella
– In tank and hot and cold water tanks.
– In pipes with little or no flow of water eg non -occupied rooms in hotel units.
– In sediment (biomembranes) and the dirt of the inner surfaces and tanks.
– Rubber fibers and natural fibers in anti -fiber rings and waterproofing devices.
– In water heaters and hot water tanks.
– In salts deposits and erosions into pipes, shower and taps.
It survives in other bacteria and amoebas. Ideal water temperature to grow Legionella is between 20 ° C – 45 ° C.
Transmission
Airogenically, by inhalation of the bacterium, when infected water is dispersed in the air in the form of droplets (aerosol, shower).
ATTENTION: It is not transmitted from human to person.
Incubation time: Pontiac fever 3-5 days (usually 24-48 hours). Legionaria disease 2-10 days (usually 5-6 days).
Possible sources of infection
– cold – hot water (shower) systems
– Central air conditioning systems cooling towers
– water storage tanks
– Warm thermal springs, thermal baths
– Swimming Tanks (especially those where the water is hot and trafficked)
– fountains
– Atmospheric humidifiers and respiratory devices that operate with tap water.
High -risk groups
– All over 50 years of age
– Smokers
– Those who are under treatment with corticosteroids
– Those suffering from chronic pulmonary diseases, diabetes mellitus, neoplastic diseases and kidney failure
– Those who have undergone organ transplantation
– People with weakened and vulnerable immune system.