Legionella Bacteria Detected at Zagreb Economics Faculty; Showers Off-Limits

Health authorities have issued a warning to students and staff at the Faculty of Economics in Zagreb, Croatia, following the preliminary detection of Legionella bacteria in the faculty's hot water system. The Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) found evidence of the bacteria, prompting immediate protective measures.

As a precautionary step, students and employees have been instructed to avoid using the faculty's showers and refrain from drinking tap water until further notice. The faculty is implementing a series of remediation efforts, including flushing and pasteurizing the water system, to address the contamination. Final analysis results are still awaited to determine the extent of the contamination and any necessary additional actions.

Epidemiologist Miroslav Venus explained that Legionella can cause mild to severe health issues, including a flu-like "Pontiac fever" or the more serious "Legionnaires' disease," which primarily affects the lungs. He noted that the bacteria can be contracted through inhaling small water particles, or aerosols, particularly during activities like showering.

Venus emphasized that maintaining specific water temperatures is crucial for preventing the spread of Legionella. Cold water should ideally be kept below 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit), and hot water above 55 degrees Celsius (131 degrees Fahrenheit), to inhibit bacterial growth. This incident is not isolated, as Legionella has previously been found in other public institutions in Zagreb, including kindergartens, universities, nursing homes, swimming pools, and hospitals.