Legionnaires' found at NI college

The disease often spreads through water systems

A source of Legionnaires' disease has been discovered in the water supply of a Northern Ireland college.

The College Square campus in Belfast was disinfected over the weekend to get rid of the bacteria.

The Health and Safety Executive investigation was ordered after a member of the college lecturing staff became ill with what was believed to be Legionnaires' disease.

However, extensive laboratory tests in England and Scotland confirmed on Wednesday that she did not have the disease.

Hot water tap

One strain of the bacteria was discovered in water from a tap, but a spokesman for the Eastern Health and Social Services Board said he was not concerned about the risk of infection in the college.

We are continuing to work closely with all statutory authorities concerned with this matter to ensure there is no risk to staff or students

Belfast Institute spokesman

The Belfast Institute for Further and Higher Education has also commissioned a report into possible health risks from an old-fashioned heating system in the same city centre building.

A spokesman for the institute said a sample of water taken from a hot water tap had contained a strain of legionelle.

"On advice from HSENI, the Institute immediately engaged specialist contractors to treat and sterilise the system linked to this tap," he said.

Investigation

"This work was successfully completed over the weekend, without any disruption to staff and students, leaving the building ready for use on Monday."

The disease can be fatal

He added: "We are continuing to work closely with all statutory authorities concerned with this matter to ensure there is no risk to staff or students."

Health officials began an investigation last month after a Belfast woman was treated for Legionnaires' Disease.

Dr Brian Morgan, the consultant in communicable disease control for the Eastern Health Board, had confirmed the case.

He said the woman was in her 30s.

Belfast city council's environmental health officers then began an investigation to try to identify the source of the disease.

Severe

Legionnaires' Disease is contracted from airborne particles, usually from heating systems, shower heads or sometimes fountains.

It is not transmitted from person to person. It has flu-like symptoms and very occasionally can be severe.

It is generally more dangerous for the old and particularly affects people with reduced immune defence.

It is fatal in up to 15% of cases.