Daegu health institute to conduct intensive Legionella testing at public facilities this summer

The Daegu Institute of Health and Environment announced Friday it will conduct Legionella bacteria testing at public facilities to prevent Legionnaires' disease this summer.

The testing this year will also cover key facilities expected to serve domestic and international participants and visitors ahead of the 2026 Daegu World Masters Athletics Championships.

The inspections will run from this month through September — the period when the bacteria proliferate most readily — targeting cooling tower water and water supply systems, including both hot and cold water, at general hospitals, elderly welfare facilities and other public venues.

Legionnaires' disease is a respiratory illness contracted when contaminated water from cooling towers or water supply systems is inhaled as fine droplets. Symptoms resemble those of influenza or pneumonia.

Last year, the institute tested 1,010 samples across roughly 250 facilities and detected Legionella bacteria in 48 cases. Affected facilities underwent disinfection and follow-up testing to bring them into compliance.

"We will do our utmost to manage facility hygiene so that not only residents but also domestic and international participants and visitors attending the Daegu World Masters Athletics Championships can feel safe," said Shin Sang-hee, director of the Daegu Institute of Health and Environment.