True or False: If action is only taken when certain strains of Legionella are detected, prevention of Legionnaires' disease may be compromised.

The statement is true because taking action only upon the detection of certain strains of Legionella can indeed compromise the overall prevention of Legionnaires' disease. Legionella bacteria can exist in various strains, and while some strains are more virulent or associated with outbreaks, others can still pose a risk, especially in susceptible populations.

Effective management of Legionella in plumbing systems requires a proactive approach, including regular risk assessments and control measures, rather than a reactive stance based solely on strain detection. This is crucial because the conditions that allow Legionella to proliferate can occur without an outbreak being evident.

Preventive strategies should be implemented consistently to manage the water system's environment, protecting all users from potential exposure regardless of the specific strains present. Being reactive can lead to missed opportunities for mitigation and increase the risk of disease transmission. This highlights the importance of having a comprehensive prevention program rather than relying on the identification of specific strains as the trigger for action.