Legionella bacteria found in showers

10 / 05 / 2012 | Redactie

Routine testing today have confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria in the showers of the University of Twente (UT) Sports Centre. As a precautionary measure the Sports Centre has been immediately closed and will remain so today and tomorrow, in order to allow cleaning of the building water system and installation of new showers. An investigation over the cause for the Legionella bacteria is also underway.

For preventive measures, people who have recently used the Sports Centre showers will be notified by the University. Please note that Legionella bacteria poses minimal risk to healthy individuals but contact your doctor if you develop flu like symptoms such as fever, headaches, and muscle pain.

Additional information about Legionella can be found on the following websites (Dutch):

http://ggdtwente.nl/component/content/article/187-water/734-legionella

http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/legionella

Alternative source of information in English includes:

United States Department of Health and Human Services,

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

http://www.cdc.gov/legionella/patient_facts.htm