U.S. insurers eye Legionnaires' disease safeguards as buildings re-open from pandemic shutdowns
(Reuters) - Commercial insurers are scrutinizing building managers’ efforts to avoid outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease as they re-open movie theaters, gyms, schools and offices that had been closed for months due to the coronavirus pandemic, industry sources told Reuters.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe, sometimes-lethal form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria that builds up in pipes. Environmental insurers, which collect roughly $2 billion in annual premiums, would be on the hook for damages if there are outbreaks at buildings they cover.
“Legionella could be the deadliest waterborne illness in the U.S. and another deadly consequence of COVID,” said Veronica Benzinger, environmental service group leader for insurance broker Aon PLC, referring to the illness caused by the novel coronavirus.
The pandemic shutdown of businesses and schools has led to an unprecedented amount of stagnant water in dormant buildings. It becomes a breeding ground for Legionella bacteria, which can be spread from toilets, sinks, showers and air-conditioning systems.
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-insurance-legionna/u-s-insurers-eye-legionnaires-disease-safeguards-as-buildings-re-open-from-pandemic-shutdowns-idUSKBN23P3G9
