Legionella find in Warsteiner brewery

Measurements in the sewage system show heavy exposure to Legionella

09/12/2013

Another source of Legionella infection pathogens has been found by the authorities. The wastewater system of the brewery „Warsteiner“ has indicated a load of Legionella after two measurements. It is unclear to the NRW Ministry of the Environment whether the wave of diseases did not start in the large brewery and whether this find has any impact on the health of beer drinkers.

The legionella come from the air or from the brewery
Now it must be clarified whether the brewery itself was contaminated, or even the starting point of Legionellenbelastung, says a spokesman for the Ministry of the Environment. A spokesman for the brewery gave the all clear. The beer is not charged. This is made in a sterile room and heated to almost 100 degrees during production. At over 60 degrees, the Legionella die.

Two dead by Legionella in Warstein
In the past few weeks, 165 people had been infected with Legionella and were treated. 16 patients are still in hospital. Two of them have to be cared for in the intensive care unit and two men have died of bacterial diseases. Legionellosis is suspected as the reason for another death.

Still travel warning for Warnstein
The wastewater treatment plant of the Ruhrverband Warstein is regarded as the cause of the pollution of the Wester river. It is assumed that the pathogens have flowed through the river into the cooling plant of a company and from there into the ambient air. The travel warning of the district Soest for Warstein, which was issued days ago, is valid until at least Thursday.

Disinfection of the brewery
By order of the Ministry, the brewery must cover the clarifiers and disinfect with UV radiation in the drain. In addition, the cooling units must be constantly disinfected to come before a new outbreak to occur. On Tuesday, official samples have already been taken. The results are expected at the earliest on Friday.

No visits to the brewery
The Warsteiner brewery Haus Cramer KG has already stated in writing that the pathogens have been found at the exit area of ​​a wastewater basin. Protective measures have already been initiated. It will do everything possible to eliminate risks to the health of employees and the citizens of Warstein, it said in the message. Among other things, the visitor business has already been discontinued. „Our products are safe“, stressed a brewery spokeswoman. (Fr)

Picture: johnnyb