Ice Machine Legionella: A Commercial Guide to Prevention and Control

Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause Legionnaires disease, a serious lung infection. Legionella bacteria can grow in warm water environments, such as ice machines, and can be spread through the air when water droplets are aerosolized. People who are exposed to Legionella bacteria can develop Legionnaires disease, which can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and muscle aches. In some cases, Legionnaires disease can be fatal.

The risk of Legionnaires disease is highest for people who are over the age of 50, have weakened immune systems, or have chronic lung conditions. However, anyone can develop Legionnaires disease, and it is important to take steps to prevent exposure to Legionella bacteria.

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria in ice machines, including:

Cleaning and disinfecting ice machines regularly
Maintaining ice machines at the proper temperature
Using only clean water to make ice
Storing ice in a clean and sanitary environment

In addition, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of Legionnaires disease and to seek medical attention if you think you may have been exposed to Legionella bacteria.

The Importance of Prevention

Legionnaires disease is a serious illness that can be fatal. Preventing the growth of Legionella bacteria in ice machines is essential to protecting the health of your customers and employees. By taking the following steps, you can help to prevent the spread of Legionella bacteria and keep your ice machines safe for use.

Clean and disinfect ice machines regularly
Maintain ice machines at the proper temperature
Use only clean water to make ice
Store ice in a clean and sanitary environment

The Cost of Legionnaires Disease

The cost of Legionnaires disease can be significant. In addition to the medical costs associated with treating the illness, there are also the costs of lost productivity and potential legal liability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average cost of treating a single case of Legionnaires disease is $10,000. In addition, lost productivity and legal liability can cost businesses even more money.

Case Studies

The following are two case studies of Legionnaires disease outbreaks that were linked to ice machines:

In 2015, an outbreak of Legionnaires disease in New York City was linked to an ice machine in a hotel. The outbreak resulted in 12 cases of Legionnaires disease, including one death.
In 2018, an outbreak of Legionnaires disease in Michigan was linked to an ice machine in a hospital. The outbreak resulted in 10 cases of Legionnaires disease, including two deaths.

These case studies demonstrate the serious health risks associated with Legionella bacteria and the importance of taking steps to prevent the growth of these bacteria in ice machines.

Conclusion

Legionnaires disease is a serious illness that can be fatal. Preventing the growth of Legionella bacteria in ice machines is essential to protecting the health of your customers and employees. By taking the steps outlined in this guide, you can help to prevent the spread of Legionella bacteria and keep your ice machines safe for use.