The Legionella bacterium was found in the locker rooms of the Escola Secundária Padre António Vieira school in Lisbon, a source from the Ministry of Education told Lusa this Thursday, adding that the risk was “low to moderate”, which is why the premises were not closed.
In response to questions from Lusa following a complaint about the presence of bacteria in the Alvalade school group, to which this high school belongs, the Ministry of Education confirmed that as part of the preventive maintenance and conservation plan of the Padre High School, the Antonio Viera School “samples were taken and the presence of legionella bacteria Low to moderate risk was observed in a shower in the women’s locker room and in a shower in the men’s locker room.”
“In accordance with state construction procedures, EPE [antiga Parque Escolar]thermal shock, chemical shock, cleaning and disinfection were carried out, as well as the collection of new samples for counter-analysis,” adds the office of Education Minister João Costa.
According to the same source, given the “low to moderate risk and in accordance with current legislation, the values presented do not imply the closure of the space.”
“Public Construction, EPE continues to monitor this case and is currently awaiting the results of the counter-analysis,” Luse said in a response.
Lusa has contacted the management of Alvalade School Group, but has not yet received a response.
Legionnaires’ disease, caused by the bacteria Legionella pneumophila, can be contracted by inhaling droplets of contaminated water vapor (aerosols) so small that they transport the bacteria into the lungs, depositing them in the alveoli of the lungs.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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