The coordinator of the USP at the Local Health Unit of Baixo Alentejo (ULSBA), Sara Duarte, stated that routine analyses conducted by the entity detected the presence of the bacteria in the shower water.
The results of these analyses were made known on the 8th of this month, noted the official, mentioning that the USP communicated the situation to the municipality on the same day.
Last Monday, in a statement, the Vidigueira City Council announced the “temporary closure” of the facility due to the detection of the “presence of ‘legionella’ bacteria in some showers of the locker rooms.”
This closure aims to “ensure the health and safety of users,” highlighted the municipality, noting that it is “taking necessary measures to normalize the situation,” with reopening planned “as soon as possible.”
The coordinator of the Baixo Alentejo USP told Lusa that the municipal pools remain closed, as after a thermal shock disinfection of the pipelines, a chemical treatment is scheduled.
A few days after the chemical treatment, new analyses will be conducted, and if they test negative for the presence of the bacteria, the pools may then reopen, she noted.
Sara Duarte also mentioned that there is no information on any cases of the disease.
According to the doctor, the chemical shock involves the application of chlorine-based disinfectants, while the thermal shock involves circulating water at temperatures above 80 degrees Celsius throughout the building’s network.
The ‘legionella’ bacteria is responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia that typically begins with a dry cough, fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and respiratory difficulties, and can also include abdominal pain and diarrhea.
The infection can be contracted through the air (respiratory route) by inhaling contaminated water droplets or by aspirating contaminated water, and although serious, it can be effectively treated.
According to information published on the municipality’s website, these municipal pools are intended for free use and sports activities organized by the Vidigueira Aquatic Sports Club.
