The Sanitary Inspector of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship has published instructions for schools and kindergartens in connection with the outbreak of Legionella pneumophila infection in Rzeszow. The source of infection is still unknown. 16 people have already died, and 156 patients have been confirmed to be infected with the bacterium.
“In connection with the resumption of the activities of educational and educational institutions after the summer holidays and the current situation with infections caused by Legionella bacteria, in order to minimize the likelihood of microbiological contamination, the Podkarpackie State Voivodeship Sanitary Inspector recommends taking appropriate measures,” read in a message published on Wednesday on the website of the Voivodeship sanitary and epidemiological station in Rzeszow.
Legionella in Rzeszow. Are schools safe?
As emphasized in the letter, the goal is to prevent the spread of legionella bacteria in aquatic systems. This is also connected with the ending holidays, when water consumption in schools is naturally limited.
“As a result of prolonged downtime or limited operation in devices and systems of internal water supply, a decrease in water consumption or its stagnation is possible, which leads to a deterioration in the physico-chemical parameters of water and an increase in the likelihood of the presence and reproduction of legionella bacteria. Therefore, before opening educational and educational institutions, it is advisable to take appropriate measures, for example, flushing of the installation, disinfection (chemical or thermal) of water- recommends the voivodship sanitary inspector.
Legionella at school. How to protect yourself?
Proper maintenance and temperature control of tap water outlets and water heaters is important, according to the recommendations. This means keeping the water temperature above 55 degrees Celsius. “After the restoration of the normal functioning of educational institutions, in order to reduce the risk of the spread of legionella bacteria, it is necessary to continue the correct operation of equipment and internal water supply systems. In particular, it is recommended to regularly check and maintain water parameters such as temperature, pH and, where applicable, the concentration of disinfectants, as well as to ensure the correct functioning of the equipment used for water purification and disinfection.
Legionella in Rzeszow. The source of infection is unknown
On Thursday, the Podkarpackie Voivodeship Sanitary Inspector announced a regular conference on the Legionella outbreak in Rzeszow. On Monday, the first results of water samples were published. The bacteria were found in four samples, but the source of contamination is still unknown. Last weekend in Rzeszow, the entire water supply network was disinfected. The effects of this procedure will be known next week, because the results of legionella tests, due to their specificity, take 10 days.
Source: Wprost
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