"Thought It Was Just a Cold From Coughing" ... Deadly Bacteria Detected in Jjimjilbangs Can Be Fatal

Similar to a Cold with Symptoms Like Fever and Cough, Making Early Detection Difficult
Thrives in Warm and Humid Environments with Water Temperatures of 25 to 45°C

As the weather has become noticeably chillier in the mornings and evenings, people are reminded of certain places. Recently, the detection of "Legionella bacteria" has been reported one after another in warm and humid environments such as public bathhouses and jjimjilbangs (Korean-style saunas), prompting authorities to urge extra caution among visitors.

Photo for article understanding purposes only, not related to specific content. Pixabay

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on September 28, the Seoul Institute of Health and Environment tested 2,214 water samples collected between January and August this year from multi-use facilities in Seoul, including public bathhouses, jjimjilbangs, general hospitals, elderly care facilities, and department stores. Out of these samples, Legionella bacteria were detected in 246 cases, accounting for 11.1%.

Breakdown by facility showed the highest number of detections in public bathhouses and jjimjilbangs, with 162 cases. General hospitals followed with 34 cases, care centers with 6 cases, and hotels and inns with 4 cases. No Legionella bacteria were detected in elderly welfare facilities.

Facilities where the bacteria were found were immediately instructed to conduct cleaning and disinfection. The institute is conducting re-inspections until safety can be confirmed.

If Contaminated Water Remains Stagnant, Bacteria Can Multiply Rapidly

Classified as a third-degree notifiable infectious disease, Legionella bacteria proliferate well in warm and humid environments with water temperatures between 25 and 45°C. This is why bacteria can easily multiply when contaminated water is left stagnant in cooling towers of large buildings, public bath tubs, or piping systems.

It is a severe type of pneumonia caused by the bacterium called Legionella. Infection and transmission mainly occur through inhalation of bacteria from water or soil, and symptoms tend to appear within 2 to 10 days after exposure. CDC

Bacteria that have grown in contaminated water can spread into the air in the form of droplets or aerosols, and when a person inhales these, infection can occur through the respiratory tract.

Direct transmission from person to person is generally not reported. However, people with chronic lung disorders, diabetes or hypertension patients, smokers, and those with compromised immune systems may be more susceptible and should take special care.

It Can Start Like a Cold and Progress to Pneumonia

Infection with Legionella bacteria can cause symptoms similar to a cold, such as fever and cough. Depending on the symptoms, it may appear as a mild flu-like illness called "Pontiac fever," but in severe cases, it can develop into "Legionellosis," which causes pneumonia.

Recently, the number of Legionellosis patients has also been on the rise. During the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022, cases decreased, but since 2023, the trend has reversed and the numbers are increasing. As of August 31 this year, the number of Legionellosis patients nationwide was tallied at 509. Of this, 140 cases were from Seoul, accounting for 27.5% of the total.

Public bathhouse. Photo provided to aid understanding of the article, not related to specific content. Pixabay

Medical experts warn, "Pontiac fever usually resolves naturally within 2 to 5 days without special treatment, but Legionellosis can be fatal if left untreated." Infection symptoms include headache, muscle pain, cough with sputum, chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and cognitive impairment.

Park Juseong, Director of the Seoul Institute of Health and Environment, emphasized, "Regular cleaning and disinfection are essential to prevent Legionella contamination," adding, "Facilities where bacteria have been detected will be re-inspected until safety is ensured."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.