Bad news for anyone with a toothache who wants to be treated at the dental practice in Linz. The station has been closed since Tuesday because legionella was found in the water. The city said the germ load was determined during a routine drinking water analysis.
A routine drinking water analysis in the dental office of the Magistrates’ Health Care (MKF) in the new town hall revealed an increased concentration of legionella. Legionella are bacteria that occur naturally in water and pose no threat to humans. However, if they are inhaled as water vapor with the air you breathe, they can cause lung disease, fever or urinary tract infections – especially in people with weak immune systems. The water vapor is also the reason why immediate action had to be taken at the dental office.
Also showers blocked
“The water analysis showed a significantly increased concentration of legionella. In order to ensure the safety and health of all employees and customers, the city of Linz has immediately ordered the immediate closure of the dental station and all shower rooms in the new town hall,” said Mayor and District Governor Klaus Luger and City Councilor for Public Health Dr. Michaël Raml.
The fix is being worked on
The district council has pronounced the immediate closure of the dental post. At the same time, remedial measures were taken, such as heating the water and flushing the pipes. The replacement of luminaires and the installation of filters have now been initiated by the technical building management.
In addition, information about necessary behavioral measures was sent to all employees of the New Town Hall. The drinking water from the tap can still be used without risk to health.
No illness reported
The blocking of the dental station is only lifted after a cross-check that has been deemed harmless. “Currently, the magistrate of Linz has not received any reports of legionella disease – this is a notifiable disease that affects an average of five people in Linz every year,” a statement from the city said.
Source: Krone
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