Latest news with #Legionella
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Deadly bacteria found in one part of thousands of UK homes can be killed using 35p product
Research suggests there are 4000-6000 cases of the potentially deadly disease in Britain each year. Shower heads in UK homes could be harbouring potentially deadly bacteria that puts families at risk each day, according to experts. It's believed regular cleaning of this part of your bathroom is something many householder's often forget to do, however doing so, is vital to prevent the build-up of legionella bacteria, which can cause serious health problems. Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal lung infection caused by inhaling droplets of water containing Legionella bacteria. It can be found in a range of man-made water systems including taps, showers, air conditioning units, spa pools and hot tubs. John Horner, Managing Director of luxury bathroom retailer 34 Stjohn, said dirty shower heads create ideal conditions for harmful bacteria to multiply undetected. John said: "Many people scrub their bathrooms weekly but completely forget about their shower heads. A grimy shower head isn't just unsightly - it could be harboring dangerous bacteria that gets sprayed directly onto your face and body." He added that visible limescale often signals bacterial buildup beneath, saying: "What looks like harmless mineral deposits can actually hide colonies of harmful bacteria." According to John cleaning with a simple vinegar solution is highly effective. He said: "You don't need expensive cleaning products to tackle this problem. A simple solution of equal parts white vinegar and water can break down mineral deposits where bacteria hide." The bathroom expert recommends unscrewing your shower head and soaking it overnight in this solution. "After soaking, give it a good scrub with an old toothbrush to remove any stubborn deposits, then rinse thoroughly before reattaching." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. John pointed out that guest bathrooms or infrequently used showers pose particular risks. He said: "Shower heads that aren't used regularly become perfect breeding grounds for bacteria because water sits stagnant in the pipes and head. "If you have showers that aren't used weekly, run them for a few minutes to flush out the system." According to HSE guidance, legionella bacteria multiplies when temperatures are between 20-45C and nutrients are available. The bacteria becomes dormant below 20C and does not survive above 60C. The HSE notes that anyone can develop Legionnaires' disease, but the elderly, smokers, alcoholics and those with cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory conditions are at higher risk. John said that while the risk of Legionnaires' disease is relatively low in most homes, the consequences can be serious. He added: "Legionnaires' disease can be very dangerous for vulnerable people, which is why prevention is so important. Taking five minutes to clean your shower head could protect your family's health." Research suggests there are 4,000-6,000 cases of Legionnaires' disease in the UK each year, killing between 7-12 percent of all those infected.
Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Royal Caribbean alerts cruisers about disease linked to hot tubs
These days, most people understand the general risk of illness that comes with bringing a large number of people together into a semi-enclosed space like a cruise ship. Many people don't realize though that cruise ship hot tub use can potentially increase their risk of becoming ill from a disease that isn't spread through person-to-person contact. Related: CDC says throw this food out after salmonella sickens cruisers Over the last couple of years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been working to educate cruise lines about the increased risk for Legionella bacteria growth in private-balcony hot tubs. When Legionella bacteria grows in hot tub water systems, it can be transmitted to hot tub users through inhaled water droplets. In some cases, cruise passengers exposed to the bacteria later become sick with Legionnaires' disease, a severe type of pneumonia. Although rare, Legionnaires' disease is a growing health concern for cruise passengers because private-balcony hot tubs have become a popular amenity on many newer cruise ships. Since private-balcony hot tubs aren't used as often as public ones, their maintenance requirements typically aren't as strict, which can create conditions favorable for Legionella bacteria growth. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. Over the last few months, Royal Caribbean has been notifying passengers on multiple cruises about a recent case of Legionnaires' disease, according to an unofficial fan blog not affiliated with the cruise line. "The CDC has advised that while they are unsure where exposed, a guest who recently sailed on Symphony of the Seas was later diagnosed with Legionella," Royal Caribbean informed passengers. Royal Caribbean sent a similar notification to Symphony of the Seas' passengers in January after two other passengers fell ill with the disease after sailing on the ship in late 2024. Related: Here's when Royal Caribbean can cancel your cruise vacation Symphony of the Seas is not the only cruise ship to be associated with the disease, however. In October 2024, the CDC reported that it was notified of 12 cases of Legionnaires' disease among travelers sailing on two cruise ships from separate cruise lines between November 2022 and June 2024. Their investigation linked both cruise ship Legionnaires' disease outbreaks to private-balcony hot tubs. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. It's important for cruisers to know that private-balcony hot tubs are more likely to experience Legionella growth than public hot tubs found in common areas because they are not required to be disinfected as frequently as public ones. The CDC has been working to ensure that cruise lines understand the hot tub features that increase the risk for Legionella growth and transmission, and how cruise lines can adapt maintenance and operations protocols to reduce that risk. "Royal Caribbean is working hard to protect the health of guests and crew onboard Symphony of the Seas," the cruise line assured passengers in its recent Legionnaires' disease notification emails. The cruise line informed passengers that it stepped up its sanitation efforts as a precautionary measure and followed all CDC guidance. Related: Princess Cruises ship gets banned from entering Caribbean port Although most healthy people who are exposed to Legionella do not get sick, some people are at an increased risk including current and former smokers, adults over 50, and people with specific health issues or conditions. Legionnaires' disease symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches. "If you experience these symptoms and have concerns, please reach out to your preferred medical professional," the cruise line urged. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Royal Caribbean warns cruisers about deadly disease
These days, most people understand the general risk of illness that comes with bringing a large number of people together into a semi-enclosed space like a cruise ship. Many people don't realize though that cruise ship hot tub use can potentially increase their risk of becoming ill from a disease that isn't spread through person-to-person the last couple of years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been working to educate cruise lines about the increased risk for Legionella bacteria growth in private-balcony hot tubs. When Legionella bacteria grows in hot tub water systems, it can be transmitted to hot tub users through inhaled water droplets. In some cases, cruise passengers exposed to the bacteria later become sick with Legionnaires' disease, a severe type of pneumonia. Although rare, Legionnaires' disease is a growing health concern for cruise passengers because private-balcony hot tubs have become a popular amenity on many newer cruise ships. Since private-balcony hot tubs aren't used as often as public ones, their maintenance requirements typically aren't as strict, which can create conditions favorable for Legionella bacteria the last few months, Royal Caribbean has been notifying passengers on multiple cruises about a recent case of Legionnaires' disease, according to an unofficial fan blog not affiliated with the cruise line. 'The CDC has advised that while they are unsure where exposed, a guest who recently sailed on Symphony of the Seas was later diagnosed with Legionella,' Royal Caribbean informed passengers. Royal Caribbean sent a similar notification to Symphony of the Seas' passengers in January after two other passengers fell ill with the disease after sailing on the ship in late of the Seas is not the only cruise ship to be associated with the disease, however. In October 2024, the CDC reported that it was notified of 12 cases of Legionnaires' disease among travelers sailing on two cruise ships from separate cruise lines between November 2022 and June 2024. Their investigation linked both cruise ship Legionnaires' disease outbreaks to private-balcony hot important for cruisers to know that private-balcony hot tubs are more likely to experience Legionella growth than public hot tubs found in common areas because they are not required to be disinfected as frequently as public ones. The CDC has been working to ensure that cruise lines understand the hot tub features that increase the risk for Legionella growth and transmission, and how cruise lines can adapt maintenance and operations protocols to reduce that risk. 'Royal Caribbean is working hard to protect the health of guests and crew onboard Symphony of the Seas,' the cruise line assured passengers in its recent Legionnaires' disease notification emails. The cruise line informed passengers that it stepped up its sanitation efforts as a precautionary measure and followed all CDC most healthy people who are exposed to Legionella do not get sick, some people are at an increased risk including current and former smokers, adults over 50, and people with specific health issues or conditions. Legionnaires' disease symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches. 'If you experience these symptoms and have concerns, please reach out to your preferred medical professional,' the cruise line urged. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Makeovers planned for these three Ohio State residence halls
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Three Ohio State University residence hall towers will look a little different in the coming years. Ohio State's Board of Trustees met Wednesday and approved dozens of changes, including renovations to the North Towers. Drackett, Jones and Taylor Towers will undergo a $10 million upgrade, including more dorm space for residents. The construction and design will be phased out over several years, with designs beginning this month and final construction ending in August 2030. What are the cannabis products that Ohioans buy the most? According to the project plan presented to the trustees, the main entry levels in all three towers will be renovated and reconfigured. The other floors will also received updated finishes to better align with other nearby campus facilities. According to project plans, the North Towers renovation will replace the buildings' plumbing, heating and sanitary lines. Drackett, Jones and Taylor towers will also receive new sprinkler systems and upgrades to its main electrical system. Only one of the towers' infrastructure has made headlines. In 2017, Ohio State said it shut down nearly every water fountain in Drackett Tower after a student contracted Legionella pneumonia. However, Ohio State's investigation, completed with the CDC and Ohio Department of Health, found it was unlikely the student contracted the disease from the residence hall. Ohio State is planning several rounds of renovations across campus, including these plans. The tower upgrades fall under the Core North updates, the district bordered by Lane Avenue, High Street, the Olentangy River and the north side of the Oval. Although the Board of Trustee documents have minimal information at this time, the Core North updates intend to de-densify student rooms in residential halls. Ohio State said renovations will increase the average square footage per bed. According to the Core North plan, Arps, Bricker, Cockins, Hitchcock, Hughes, Jones, Mendoza and Ramseyer halls may also see renovations in the near future. Ohio museum featuring haunted, true crime items to open According to the project plans, designs will be completed between this month and May 2027, although the Board of Trustees will approve construction plans in February 2026. Construction will begin in November 2026 and conclude in August 2030. Ohio State spokesperson Dan Hedman said the next phases of the project is to create the phasing plan, so the timeline is still flexible. 'We can share that this will be a multiyear project, and it is possible that one or more of the buildings may need to be taken fully offline for the updates,' Hedman said. 'At the same time, as we always do, we will work to minimize impacts to the overall student experience.' The Board of Trustees approved more than 40 items in total, including scoreboard updates for the Schottenstein Center, parking lot updates at Outpatient East and nearly $16 million in new or updated scholarships and endowed funds. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Guidance to Lanarkshire householders on safe hosepipe use as warm weather continues
Hosepipes can harbour harmful bacteria, such as Legionella, which has the potential to flow back into buildings and contaminate the drinking water supply. WaterSafe, the national register of approved plumbers, is issuing guidance to Lanarkshire householders on safe hosepipe use, as warm weather continues. Hosepipes can harbour harmful bacteria, such as Legionella, which has the potential to flow back into buildings and contaminate the drinking water supply. WaterSafe advises everyone to make sure their tap has a double-check valve installed to help keep drinking water safe. Julie Spinks, director at WaterSafe, said: "Hosepipes, if left submerged in dirty water or connected to an outside tap without adequate protection, can act as a channel for contamination. "Homeowners should understand the risk of backflow and take the necessary steps to prevent it." The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations are designed to protect drinking water quality and mandate that all outside taps are fitted with a working double-check valve. This essential component acts as a non-return mechanism, preventing any water from flowing back into the mains supply. WaterSafe advises homeowners to undertake the following measures: Fit a compliant double-check valve to outside taps, such as one approved by BSI, KIWA, NSF or WRAS to prevent contaminated water flowing back into the drinking water supply. The British Standard states these valves should be replaced every 10 years. As a minimum, the double-check valve should be installed inside the building, close to the garden tap. Gently run water out of your hosepipe before using it, without any form of spray attachment. Always keep your hosepipe out of the sun and in a cool place and turn off outside taps. Disconnect your hosepipe when you have finished using it. Never leave your hosepipe submerged in water, such as in a paddling pool, hot tub or pond. Seek expert advice: if you are unsure about the installation or condition of backflow prevention devices on outside taps, consult a WaterSafe-approved plumber. With water resources under increasing strain, especially during hot weather, WaterSafe would always encourage householders to avoid using a hosepipe, if possible, as it can use up to 1000 litres of water an hour - equivalent to more than 12 baths. 'The humble watering can is a much more water efficient way to look after your plants, fill your paddling pool or wash your car,' adds Julie.
