“It’s tricky, but it helps”: Adapting to Legionnaires’ alert

VIDEO: "It's tricky, but it helps": Adapting to Legionnaires' alert

Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak Leaves Hundreds Without Hot Water in Rochefort

The residents of the Salaneuve neighborhood in Rochefort, France, are grappling with an unexpected challenge: a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak has left 174 households without hot water. The affected homes are primarily social housing units, and authorities are working to contain the situation and provide support to the community.

A Makeshift Solution for Daily Hygiene

For residents like Chantal, the lack of hot water has necessitated creative solutions. She now boils water and transfers it to a mobile container equipped with a pump for showering. “It’s a little complicated because the flow isn’t great, but it really helps,” she explains.

The Fear Factor

The Legionnaires’ disease alert has understandably raised concerns among residents. Chantal, a retiree, is particularly cautious. “Yes, it’s scary. At our age, we don’t want to die from this! So, I’m taking precautions,” she says, opting to avoid using tap water for washing or dishes.

The Source of the Problem

Jean-Philippe Thekekar, head of security and maintenance, sheds light on the potential causes. He points to the collective boiler system and the challenge of maintaining water temperature within the network, especially during heatwaves. Stagnant water in “dead ends” of the system can also contribute to the problem.

Immediate Actions Taken

Authorities have responded swiftly to mitigate the outbreak. Antibacterial showerhead kits have been distributed to residents, and a comprehensive water disinfection protocol is underway. “We are carrying out a massive disinfection of the network. We preferred to start this chlorine shock before having the analysis results,” says Véronique Pavajeau, director of Rochefort Habitat Océan.

Support for Residents

The intervention is expected to last three days, until Thursday, August 28th. During this period, a nearby gymnasium remains open, providing shower facilities for the 310 affected residents. This measure ensures that residents can maintain their hygiene while the disinfection process is completed.

Looking Ahead

The situation in Rochefort highlights the importance of maintaining water systems to prevent Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks. Authorities are working diligently to restore hot water service and ensure the safety of the community. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential health risks associated with waterborne bacteria and the need for proactive measures to protect public health.

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