134 Department Stores, Marts, and Hospitals as Multi-use Facilities
The Ulsan Institute of Health and Environment will conduct intensive inspections for Legionella bacteria at multi-use facilities until the end of August.
As the use of air conditioning and water increases during the summer, the Ulsan Infectious Disease Control Division and district health centers will jointly carry out these inspections. The inspection targets include 134 locations such as department stores, shopping centers, airports, public baths, jjimjilbang, and general hospitals. The inspection items are Legionella bacteria and residual chlorine concentration.
Legionella bacteria are the causative agent of 'Legionellosis,' a third-class notifiable infectious disease, and frequently occur from June to August when air conditioner use increases.
This bacterium floats in the air and infects the human body when inhaled in aerosol form. Infection can cause symptoms similar to the flu, such as fever, chills, cough, and general fatigue. In particular, high-risk groups such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals may develop severe conditions, so caution is required.
If cooling tower water, bath water in public baths, or water supply facilities in multi-use facilities become contaminated with Legionella bacteria, it can cause group outbreaks, making thorough inspection and management essential.
Last year, 809 Legionella bacteria inspections were conducted at multi-use facilities, with 32 cases detected. Facilities where bacteria were detected underwent cleaning and disinfection, followed by re-inspection to strengthen management.
An official from the City Institute of Health and Environment stated, "To prevent Legionellosis infection, we will strengthen preemptive monitoring of multi-use facilities to protect citizens' health and create a safe water use environment."
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