Too high a concentration of Legionella was detected in the hot water network of a huge condominium in Essonne (91). Deprived of a shower, the inhabitants fear legionellosis.
Legionellosis worries in Ile-de-France! ! An abnormally high concentration of Legionella has in fact been detected in the hot water network of part of the immense condominium of Grigny 2 in Essonne (91), the media learned on Monday from this municipality of Ile-de-France.
The water remains drinkable
To confirm this suspicion, new samples were taken last week. Pending results, residents are advised not to take a shower. This measure concerns around 560 housing units, ie 2,000 people living in this largely degraded condominium, which is the second largest in Europe.
For the moment, the inhabitants concerned are only allowed to take baths or to wash themselves with a glove. “ But the water remains drinkable “, told journalists this Ile-de-France town hall and the Regional Health Authority (ARS).
Indeed, it is the inhalation of water droplets that causes the transmission of legionellosis. Naturally present in fresh water, legionella, bacteria at the origin of the disease, proliferate in particular in poorly maintained facilities, according to the Ministry of Health.
More than 1,000 cases of legionellosis in France each year
As a reminder, the first symptoms of pulmonary legionellosis resemble the flu and appear gradually over two to three days. Digestive disorders can also be observed (diarrhea, nausea and vomiting) as well as neurological disorders (confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, even coma). Signs of lung disease then appear: breathing difficulties, fatigue from the slightest effort, cough, high fever, etc.
According to’Health watch institute (InVS), the toll of Legionella cases in France has been declining since 2005. A reassuring result despite a one-off increase in the number of cases in 2010. In 2011, 1,170 cases were reported in France. Among them, 114 died of it.
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