The Legionella bacteria was detected in the changing rooms of the Alvito sports hall, in the district of Beja, which forced the temporary closure of the facilities, as a precaution, revealed this Monday, October 20, a source from the public health unit.
The coordinator of the Public Health Unit of the Baixo Alentejo Local Health Unit (ULSBA) indicated that Legionella was detected during the usual bacteria control procedures. “The city council identified the environmental presence of Legionella bacteria in the changing rooms of the Alvito gymnasium pavilion”said Sara Duarte, cited by Lusa, noting that the municipality communicated the situation to Public Health on Wednesday.
The coordinator of the ULSBA Public Health Unit said that the changing rooms are closed, at least, until new analyzes are carried out. “Corrective measures are already being taken, such as thermal and chemical shocks, and new harvests will be scheduled for the next few days to evaluate the measures”he added.
According to the doctor, so far, “there are no reported cases of the disease.”
The sports hall is owned by the Ministry of Education and its use is accessible to the school community, communities and the general population.