Immediate action: Swimming pool shuts due to Legionella

The Umeå swimming pool, Navet, has been abruptly closed due to the discovery of Legionella bacteria in the water, according to a press release issued by the municipality.

Arkivbild.

Arkivbild.

Foto: Fredrik Varfjell/NTB/TT

Umeå2024-05-21 13:34

Västerbottens-Kuriren reports that the bacteria was confirmed by the municipality at a press conference held on Tuesday. Environmental inspector Kristina Hägglund stated the closure is a precautionary measure due to inadequate previous inspections.

The closure comes after the Northern Swedish Swimming Championships were held at the pool over the weekend. Thankfully, no illnesses have been reported at this time.

– We took water samples early Saturday morning, explained Hägglund at the press conference.

– While initial levels were low, follow-up samples revealed an increase. To ensure everyone's safety, we've made the difficult decision to close the pool immediately.

The closure is expected to last approximately two weeks.

According to infectious disease specialist Maria Marklund, Legionnaires' disease is the most severe illness caused by Legionella bacteria. 

However, there is a five to six day incubation period before symptoms appear, and so far, no cases have been reported (as reported by VK from the press conference).