Urgent warning over fatal lung disease spread through contaminated water in taps, showers, hosepipes and hot tubs
Legionnaires' disease is caused by bacteria found in water supplies that haven't been used much, such as taps, showers, hosepipes, and hot tubs.
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'This is because warm, stagnant water is the perfect breeding ground for Legionella bacteria,' Professor Franklin Joseph, a consultant physician, told Sun Health.
'And unfortunately, that's exactly what happens in summer," he added.
He said: 'Air conditioning units, garden hoses, sprinkler systems, and even hotel showers that haven't been used for a while can all pose a risk when temperatures rise.'
In the UK, there are around 300 to 500 reported cases each year, with about half linked to travel abroad, according to uRisk Safety Services, a water testing company.
Last month, Donna Jobling, 57, was left in a coma, fighting for her life after catching the bug while on an all-inclusive holiday in Greece.
The infection spreads when people breathe in tiny droplets of contaminated water.
'That could be from a misting fan, a spa pool, or an air-con system that hasn't been cleaned properly," Dr Frank, who is also head of Dr Frank's Clinic, said.
It's often linked to hotels, gyms and even office buildings,' he added.
You can't catch Legionnaires' disease by drinking infected water or from another person.
Once the bacteria is inhaled, it can take up to 10 days for symptoms to appear, and they often resemble a bad case of flu at first.
Dad-of-two placed into coma after Turkey holiday as chef, 55, 'caught rare disease from dirty 4-star hotel'
After a couple of days, these symptoms progress to pneumonia, a dangerous lung infection.
"The bacteria inflame the lungs, making it hard to breathe and get enough oxygen into the body," Dr Frank explained.
"In vulnerable people. like the elderly, smokers or those with weak immune systems, it can trigger respiratory failure, sepsis and even death if not caught in time," he added.
"Even healthy people can become dangerously ill if treatment is delayed.'
In the US — which collects extensive data on Legionnaires' disease — over 95 per cent of diagnosed cases in 2014 and 2015 resulted in hospitalisation, according to the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC).
And while the disease is treatable with antibiotics, about one in eight died from their infection, the health body said.
The best way to prevent illness this summer is to keep water systems clean with regular flushing, especially after they've been unused for a while.
"If you've been away, run taps and showers for a few minutes before using them," Dr Frank said.
"Clean out air-con filters and garden hoses, and avoid using misting fans or hot tubs in places that look poorly maintained.
"If something smells musty or 'off', trust your instincts and steer clear.
"Prevention is always better than cure with Legionnaires."
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