Legionella in Seehalle showers locked

Showers of the Seehalle in Pfuhl contaminated with Legionella

07/26/2013

Detection of Legionella in the Seehalle in Pfuhl (Neu-Ulm). According to a report from the city of Neu-Ulm, the showers in the Seehalle in the district of Pfuhl were closed after increased levels of Legionella were found in the water at a routine check-up on Tuesday. According to the official information, the „Concentration at 2,400 cfu (colony forming unit) per 100 milliliters“, which significantly less Legionella was detected in shower water, as in „the usual value for a shower ban of 10,000 cfu per 100 milliliters.“ Nevertheless, the city decided for safety reasons for a blocking of the showers in the indoor and outdoor sports area.

Although the Legionella concentrations are currently only moderately elevated, could „especially because of the current high temperatures and the fact that many of the showers remain unused during the holidays, a later use of the showers a risk can not be excluded“, reports the city Neu-Ulm. Now, in collaboration with a specialist company, it should first be examined what measures are necessary to get the Legionella problem under control. So far, the city assumes that in about three weeks, the shower ban can be lifted.

Routine examination revealed increased levels of Legionella in the showers
As part of the routine investigations, according to the city, the water of the lake hall and 23 other urban objects are regularly checked with legionella water systems. Three of the buildings would „regarded as problematic due to their structural circumstances.“ These are the Seehalle in Pfuhl, the Iselhalle in Burlafingen and the community hall in Ludwigsfeld. However, the current water samples of the Iselhalle and the community hall were not critical, according to the message of the city. As the „Southwest Press“ However, non-urban buildings in Neu-Ulm are also reported to be affected by the Legionella problem. For more than eight months, residents of the Neu-Ulm Donaucenter have been unable to take a shower because of the Legionella, writes the „Southwest Press“.

Risk of legionellosis
Legionella are water-borne, rod-shaped bacteria that cause a so-called legionellosis (also known as legionnaires' disease) in humans. This disease, which is often characterized by severe pneumonia in the later stages, is usually initially characterized by rather nonspecific symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle pain (often called chest pain) and persistent irritable coughing. Also general breathing difficulties, headache, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting can be part of the symptoms. Since the pathogens can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract as aerosols (tiny droplets in the air), contamination of the shower water is considered particularly dangerous. (Fp)

Picture: Rainer Sturm