Legionella detected in Liepaja apartment block after resident falls ill

Legionella bacteria were found in the water system of a 140-apartment building in Liepaja, and one resident has been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, LSM reported, citing TV Kurzeme. The resident has no serious health complications, according to the building manager.

The manager received information about the bacteria in a water sample on September 23 and raised the temperature in the building’s heating units to 60 degrees Celsius. The manager, Edgars Jakubauskis of Livonijas nami, said the temperature could not be kept that high for long because pipes would become clogged. Hot water is usually maintained at 55 degrees in the building’s water system.

The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has taken water samples, and the results are still pending. The agency conducts water tests and epidemiological investigations when a person has fallen ill.

Legionnaires’ disease spreads when people inhale tiny water droplets containing the bacteria. It cannot be contracted by drinking contaminated water or through contact with an infected person. The bacteria can survive in water at temperatures between 20 and 50 degrees Celsius.

The agency’s epidemiologist, Sigita Geida, listed fever, fatigue, weakness, a dry cough, symptoms of intoxication and headaches among the signs of illness. She said a diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease requires confirmed pneumonia.

The building manager emailed residents guidance on how to reduce the risk of infection. Latvia records an average of 60 to 80 cases a year, and this is the fifth reported case in Liepaja.