Proper management of wet environments aboard is essential to prevent such outbreaks. 1.

The disease was linked to a whirlpool spa on the ship. 2. boiler repairer contracted Legionnaires' disease on a ship after exposure to warm rusty water leaking into a steam boiler from a tank external to the boiler (Rowbotham 1998). 3. drinking water and air conditioning systems to be contaminated with Legionella pneumophila (Temeshnikova et al 1996). The same authors noted that serologic surveys of seafarers on cargo ships have shown that a high proportion have antibodies to Legionella pneumophila, suggesting that those on board ships are at increased risk of legionellosis compared with communities onshore. 4. Males 50 years of age or older, chronic lung disease, cigarette smoking and excess consumption of alcohol. Although the attack rate is often less than 1% (most people dont become ill following exposure), mortality rates among hospitalized cases can range up to 50% for immuno-supressed patients and for immuno-competent patients it is in the range of 10 to 15%. Pontiac fever is a non-pneumonic, non-transmissible, non-fatal, influenza-like form of legionellosis. The attack rate can be as high as 95% in the total exposed population. Patients with no underlying illness or condition recover in 2 - 5 days without treatment. 1. Control measures, such as proper disinfection, filtration and storage of source water, avoidance of dead ends in pipes and regular cleaning and disinfection of spas are required to reduce the risk of legionellosis on ships. 2. Firstly, source water quality could be of potential health concern if it is untreated or subject only to treatment with as residual disinfectant prior to or upon uploading. 3. Secondly, water storage and distribution systems on ships are complex and could provide greater opportunities for bacterial contamination as ship movement increases the risk of surge and backsiphonage. 4. Thirdly, loaded water may vary in temperature, and in some tropical regions, the risk of bacterial growth is increased because of higher water temperatures. Finally, proliferation is encouraged due to long term storage and stagnation in tanks or pipes. 1. They only infect humans opportunistically. Importantly, they can proliferate in water at relatively warm water temperatures, such as those experienced in shower heads and spa pools, and are found in piped water distribution systems and in storage tanks on ships. 2. Legionella can proliferate in hot and cold piped water systems leading to potential exposure through aerosolisation arising from showers and other plumbing fixtures. It is inhalation of bacteria, or aspiration following ingestion, that is thought to lead to disease, rather than swallowing.

Learn About Fatal Bacteria that Grow in Ships Air-Con System

February 19, 2011 By Mohit Leave a Comment It is a known fact that there are certain types of bacteria which flourish in the air conditioning system of a ship. These organisms or bacteria flourish or increase in number in stagnant water or in wet deposits of slime or sludge. If these bacteria multiply exponentially and are not removed then they spoil the living condition on ship, making it harmful for the crew. The most common locations where these bacteria colonies are found are at the inlet areas and filters of the cooler, humidifiers of the water spray type air-con, and inside damaged insulations.

This specific type of bacteria is known as legionella bacteria, which cause a disease known as Legionnaire disease. It is a type of Pneumonia which can be fatal to people, especially to the elder ones.

How to Prevent Growth of Such Bacteria? Growth of bacteria can be prevented by removing stagnant water from different areas of the ship. Also, follow the steps mentioned below.

Growth of legionella bacteria can be prevented with the help of proper provision of adequate drainage to remove the stagnant water. Regular inspection and cleaning of the filters and similar parts using 50 ppm super chlorinated solution used as a sterilizing agent. The super chlorinated solution is also to be used on the cooler drain area at not more than three months intervals. This sterilization is necessary for water spray type humidifier in air conditioning system. Steam spray humidifiers are to be preferred over water spray humidifiers.

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It is each individuals responsibility to ensure the showers are rinsed and toilets flushed after use. All shower cubicles and toilets are to be the subject of regular cleaning and disinfections. Shower screens or curtains must be regularly wiped down. Shower roses must be dismantled and cleaned using a super-chlorinated solution every three months.