In a statement, Paulo Nisa, the managing director of Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lagos, announced that the institution had received the test results confirming the eradication of the bacteria’s presence.
The bacteria “Legionella spp” was detected on the 11th of this month during the local health surveillance program. No infections among the residents or staff of this Faro district institution have been reported, he noted.
Following the identification of the bacteria, Paulo Nisa stated that the recommended measures by health authorities were implemented, which included closing the showers at the facility, and residents were redirected to another Misericórdia institution for hygienic purposes.
The São João Batista Nursing Home, located in Barão de São João on the outskirts of Lagos, accommodates 39 residential clients and six day-center clients.
Thorough chemical disinfection actions were conducted on the sanitary hot water system, leading to the clear eradication of any microbiological contamination, he concluded.
Legionnaire’s disease, caused by “Legionella pneumophila,” is contracted through inhalation of contaminated aerosols, such as water vapor, posing a risk of severe respiratory infections, particularly to individuals with weakened immune systems.
