Recently, Hrólfur Sigurðsson, team leader at the microbiology department of Matís, held a brief and concise course on monitoring and prevention of Legionella the bacterium. The course was specifically aimed at hotel staff in Iceland and covered the main risk factors associated with the bacterium, how it proliferates in water systems, and what measures reduce the risk of infection.
Participants received instruction on the importance of correct hot water temperature settings, regular maintenance of showerheads and taps, and how to avoid dead ends in pipe systems. Response plans were also covered in the event of Legionella detection, including heating and flushing of water systems and other recognised disinfection methods.
The course was well received and emphasised the importance of targeted prevention measures and regular monitoring to ensure guest safety.
Legionella causes Legionnaires' disease, a potentially fatal lung infection. On average, 2 to 10 individuals are diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease in Iceland each year.