Vital Technologies, Inc.

Legionella acquired its name after a 1976 outbreak among people attending a convention of the American Legion. The mysterious disease sickened over 220 people and resulted in 32 deaths. The agent responsible for the illnesses was identified as a previously unknown bacterium, subsequently names legionella.

Legionnaires' disease is a lung infection (pneumonia) caused by a bacteria named Legionella pneumophila, a water born pathogen. Legionella organisms are most commonly found in natural bodies of water and sometimes found in soil. They also can be found in other water sources around ones home. Legionella in able to grow in temperatures ranging from 68 to 131 ° F, although it is able to survive in lower and higher temperatures. This makes hot water tanks, hot tubs, etc prime places for the bacteria to develop. Legionella and other microorganisms become attached to surfaces in an aquatic environment forming a biofilm.

People contract legionnaires disease by either drinking from a contaminated water source or by inhalation of mist containing the bacteria. The incubation period of Legionnaires' disease is from two to ten days; this is the time it takes before symptoms of the illness appear after being exposed to the bacteria. For several days, the patient may feel tired and weak. Most patients who are admitted to the hospital develop a very high fever. Cough can be the first sign of infection. Gastrointestinal stomach symptoms are common with diarrhea being the most distinctive symptom. Many patients have nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort. Other common symptoms include headaches, muscle aches, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Legionnaires' disease is not contagious. No special precautions are necessary. The disease is transmitted via a contaminated water source, not by infected persons.

The Prognosis of an infected person is typically very well if treated near the onset. However, if the patient has a weekend immune system or an underlying illness, not seeking immediate treatment can result in prolonged hospitalization, complications, and death. Many people continue to experience fatigue, loss of energy and difficulty concentrating for several months.

The major source is water distribution systems of large buildings including hotels and hospitals. Other sources include mist machines, humidifiers, whirlpool spas, and hot springs and hot water heaters. So what can we do to kill off these bacterias and prevent Legionnaires' disease? The EPA has made several recommendations. Boiling water at temperatures above 132 °F will kill these bacteria, however, this is not always a practical solution. If you drink waters from the tap, it is reccommended to use a high quality filter. Chlorine works well to kill legionella but the EPA warns consumers about its corrosiveness and do not recommended it's use in drinking water systems. Chlorine is also harmful to the environment. Rather, the EPA suggests chlorine dioxide which is environmentally safe, safe for humans and equally as effective.

Vital Oxide, one of the “greenest” disinfectants, uses chlorine dioxide as its active ingredient. Vital Oxide is registered with and has been rigorously tested by the EPA and is shown to kill not just legionella but 99.9% of all bacterias. The EPA suggests periodically adding chlorine dioxide to hot water tanks, hot tubs, swimming pools, etc. to eliminate the growth of legionella pneumophila.