Legionella Danger No carnival in Warstein

Legionella danger: Volksfest in Warstein canceled: All-clear for the drinking water

01/09/2013

After the travel warning, which was pronounced because of the Legionella wave of infection, now also the International Montgolfiade in Warstein was canceled as a precaution. 100,000 visitors were expected at the fair. All clear there was the drinking water.

Danger still not banned
The danger posed by the Legionella wave of infection in Warstein, Germany, has not yet been averted. The competent district health office in Soest reported on Friday seven new cases. In total, there are now 141 people who became infected. Two men died of the infection. 50 patients are currently being treated in hospitals.

Probably triggered by cooling system
Since August 10, it comes in the city of 27,000 inhabitants to the diseases, probably caused by Legionella bacteria that were released from a cooling system in the air. However, it is still unclear whether the suspected re-cooling system is really the source of the outbreak. A final result is not expected until the middle of next week, said the national reference center of the TU Dresden, according to the circle of Soest. The plant has been shut down for days, but due to the incubation period of two to ten days, the authorities still expect more new cases.

100,000 visitors had been expected
Since the suspected plant was significantly contaminated with water bacteria and also location and wind direction were the homes of most sufferers, experts said after the shutdown cautiously optimistic regarding the containment of the infections. Nevertheless, the 23. Warsteiner Internationale Montgolfiade was canceled as a precaution. For the nine-day hot air balloon meeting 100,000 visitors were expected. Their website says: „We fully share the sense of responsibility of the municipality. Health and the protection of the population are paramount“, so the organizers.

All clear for drinking water
All clear was given to the drinking water of the city. Samples from the Hillenberg Spring, where much of the water supply in Warstein is based, are now available. „The water is completely harmless. There was no finding on Legionella. Our drinking water is impeccable“, say the laboratory results of the Hygiene Institute in Gelsenkirchen. And even at the local all-weather bath there was no danger. „We have never had any legionella in our facility“, Sun bath manager Patrick Pauschert. Nevertheless, a hygiene institute in Mülheim / Ruhr had been commissioned to examine showers, swimming pools and ventilation systems. The institute gave the all clear - no legionella.

If symptoms are suspicious, consult a doctor
In infected persons, non-specific symptoms that can not be clearly attributed to the disease are more likely to show. In the beginning, most patients experience fever and chills - often relatively suddenly. There are also muscle pains, predominantly in the chest area, as well as irritating cough. In the further course, respiratory distress, headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and occasional neurological deficits can be observed. If it comes to such symptoms, affected people from the region should consult a doctor. (Ad)

Image: Sebastian Karkus