Environmental Health Officers participate in Legionella Training

#TurksandCaicos, September 24, 2023 – The Environmental Health Department is proud to announce that officers of the department along with staff from Beaches Resort and Spa have successfully completed a comprehensive one-week (11^th -15^th September 2023) Legionella Training Course hosted by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). This training represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to public health and safety in our communities.

Legionella bacteria, responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, poses a serious health risk when present in water systems. To address this concern effectively, EHD has invested in training for our officers. The one-week course provided in-depth knowledge and practical skills to manage and prevent Legionella outbreaks, thereby contributing to the further enhancement of our department’s capabilities.

The training covered a range of topics, including:

• Legionella Disease Overview: Understanding the causes, symptoms, and transmission of Legionnaires’ disease.
• Water System Assessment: Identifying potential sources of Legionella contamination in public and private water systems.
• Risk Assessment: Evaluating and prioritis7’ i0 nvg potential Legionella hazarv ds in our community.
• Control Measures: Implementing preventive measures and remediation strategies to minimize the risk of Legionella growth and exposure to the bacteria.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to local and national regulations related to Legionella management.

The Environmental Health Department extends its gratitude to PAHO, Dr. Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO Representative for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands and facilitators, Lenard Smith and Michael Williams for the exceptional training program and sharing their expertise in the field of Legionella disease prevention.

Commenting on the training, Honourable Shaun D. Malcolm, Minister of Health and Human Services stated, “As stewards of public health, our Environmental Health Officers play a crucial role in safeguarding our community from environmental hazards. This Legionella disease training course equips our team with the expertise needed to effectively address emerging public health concerns. This training is timely and I would like to acknowledge the support of our key stakeholder, the Pan American Health Organisation, in facilitating this important initiative.”

Our Environmental Health Officers have emerged from this training with the skills and knowledge necessary to proactively address Legionella concerns in the Turks and Caicos Islands. By expanding our expertise in Legionella disease prevention, we aim to reduce the risk of outbreaks and better protect the health and well-being of our residents and visitors.