Legionella Scare in Cherbourg Public Housing Resolved
Residents of several public housing buildings in the Provinces district of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France, recently experienced a period of anxiety following the discovery of Legionella bacteria in their hot water system. The housing authority, Presqu’Ile Habitat, confirmed the contamination and initiated treatment measures. As of Thursday, June 26th, post-treatment test results have come back negative, bringing relief to the community.
Discovery and Resident Concerns
The issue came to light in early May when Presqu’Ile Habitat alerted residents of buildings on Rue du Maine and Rue du Trégorois that their hot water system showed elevated levels of Legionella contamination. This announcement understandably caused concern among residents, given the potential health risks associated with the bacteria.
“We’re scared now,” confessed Ginette, a resident in her fifties with a delicate health condition. Like many others, she opted to take precautions, switching to bottled water at an additional cost of €50 per month. She also adopted new routines, such as running the tap before use and boiling water for washing and dishwashing.
Understanding Legionella and Legionellosis
According to the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Legionella bacteria can cause a respiratory infection known as Legionellosis, also known as Legionnaires’ disease. Common sources of exposure include environmental factors such as domestic hot water systems and cooling towers. The disease is contracted by inhaling or swallowing contaminated micro-droplets, such as those produced during showering.
Housing Authority Response and Current Status
Presqu’Ile Habitat reported that they shared their analyses with the Regional Health Agency (ARS), which did not issue any specific restrictions on water usage. The housing authority emphasized that subsequent analyses conducted after the treatment of the installations showed negative results. Legionella levels have returned to normal.
Key Takeaways
* Legionella contamination was detected in the hot water system of several public housing buildings in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin.
* Residents were alerted in early May and took precautions, such as using bottled water.
* Legionella bacteria can cause Legionellosis, a respiratory infection.
* Presqu’Ile Habitat treated the water system, and post-treatment analyses are now negative.
* The ARS did not issue any water usage restrictions.
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