Navarre Public Health has taken steps to stop a Legionella outbreak south of Olite

The Navarro Institute of Public and Labour Health (ISPLN) has ordered appropriate measures to control the Legionella outbreak detected in recent daysinthe area from the Olite Municipal Sports Centre  south.

ISPLN has been working fromthe outset with the Mairaga Commonwealth and is taking the necessary measures to control the outbreak, the Navarre Government said in a statement.

Thus, on September 2, the ISPLN Environmental Health Section collected samples from affected people's homes. On September 3, in an initial PCR analysis, these samples yielded a positive result for Legionella and are now awaiting crop results.  

Considering that cases of legionellosis have occurred in people living in areas close to each other, and that the dates of hospitalization are also close, ISPLN reviewed epidemiological surveys of patients to determine whether the cases could be linked.

After checking that the samples were positive, the ISPLN requested the Mairaga Commonwealth to maintain chlorine in the supply network in that area from 0.5 to 1 ppm and to carry out various actions.

Thus, following the last meeting held this morning, it has been considered necessary for citizens living in the area to take a number of measuresin their homes.

They have been advised to let the tap ofthe house and all the shower water flow , opening the taps alternately and letting the water flow for 5 minutes. In mixer taps, let the cold water flow for 5 minutes, followed by the hot water for another 5 minutes.

They are also requiredto disassemble the diffusers or filters of the taps and artichokes of the showers . Remove lime inlays with suitable products (vinegar or anti-lime products) and then disinfect them by inserting a liter of 10 drops of commercial bleach into the year  for 30 minutes. Once clean, put it back on.

In dwellings where the hot water production system has been shut down for more than two days , the maximum temperature must be set before use, allowing the tap water to be poured for 5 minutes, and then at the usual temperature before use.

The Mairaga Commonwealth will be responsible for transmitting this information to the residents of the area, both by digital means and in the notes that will be mailed.