Due to amendments in the regulations concerning Legionnaires' Disease Control Programs, a seminar was held for 109 employees working in the relevant departments of tourism businesses in Alanya. The seminar, organized by the Alanya Tourism Operators Association (ALTİD), was held at Alanya Hamdullah Emin Paşa (HEP) University and received support from the Infectious Disease Control Programs Department and the Environmental Health Department of the Antalya Public Health Directorate. Training was provided by Specialist Doctor Deniz Akgün, Environmental Health Technician Alkan Avcı, Gültekin Alkiraz, and Nagihan Mutlu Yılmaz, covering topics such as "General Information and Regulations Regarding Legionnaires' Disease," "Environmental Surveillance of Legionnaires' Disease," "Decontamination Methods Applied Against Legionella Bacteria," and "Early Warning and Response System."
"HUMAN HEALTH IS OUR PRIORITY."
Burhan Sili, the Chairman of ALTİD and a Member of the Board of Directors of the Türkiye Otelciler Federasyonu (TÜROFED), stated that the tourism sector is in a very sensitive position due to its various dynamics. He emphasized that the health of employees and guests is the top priority in the sector, saying, "The health of our employees and guests is extremely valuable to us, the tourism managers. We will continue our human-centered efforts and training programs."
WHAT IS LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE?
The Legionella Pneumophila bacteria, which multiplies and spreads into the air in the filter systems of air conditioners, as well as in water systems such as cooling towers, water tanks, and water distribution channels, enters the human body through the respiratory system and can cause pneumonia. This infection was first identified in 1976 following a meeting attended by American soldiers at a hotel, and it was diagnosed and named "Legionnaires' disease" due to this event.