Sponsored by
Deadly bug found in police station
A potentially deadly bug has been discovered in a city centre police station.
Legionnaires' disease bacteria was found at Sunderland's Gill Bridge Avenue station during routine tests of the water systems.
The bug was also found in the showers at four other Northumbria Police stations.
"We have, therefore, isolated the showers for full sterilisation to take place," said Assistant Northumbria Police chief constable Keith Mavin.
"At the end of the sterilisation process, the facilities will be tested again and will only be re-opened if they are found to be clear of the bacteria."
"We have been advised by our occupational health unit that exposure to the bacteria does not necessarily lead to Legionnaires' disease being contracted.
"The risk in this case is considered to be low, so everyone who uses the showers is being kept fully informed of the situation."
He added: "We do not consider that any member of the public visiting these police stations has been exposed to the bacteria.
"All our police stations remain open and fully operational."
Officers and other force staff have been warned about the symptoms of Legionnaires' disease and what to do if they are worried about it.
Also known as Legionellosis, the disease is a rare form of pneumonia, and takes its name from the first outbreak which occurred in a hotel hosting a convention of the Pennsylvania branch of the American Legion in 1976.
It is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics.
Last year, 115 people were left ill after visiting Springs health and leisure club in Wessington Way.
Two were confirmed as having Legionnaires' Disease and five with the less serious Pontiac Fever.
Faults in the water treatment system were responsible, health investigators found. The club has since closed.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sunderland
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South
