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Legionnaire's Disease Most Prevalent During Summer

The occurrence of the form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacterium is at its worst during the summer. The bacterium thrives in the water and ventilation systems of hotels and spas.

According to the National Public Health Institute cases of pneumonia are worse during the summer travel season than in the winter months, with nearly one-fifth of them related to tarvel. The findings were reported in the medical journal Mediuutiset.

Outside of the travel season, water and ventilation systems in hotels and spas may not be in operation, allowing bacteria to enter and flourish. Once the systems are taken into service, the bacteria are circulated in the internal air and water, especially if usage instructions such as recommended water temperature are not applied.

Cases of Legionnaire's Disease continue to be rare in Finland - only between 5 and 20 cases are reported annually.

Sources: YLE