Legionnaires’ disease mystery

The exact source of the Legionella bacteria that infected staff members at a Richards Bay bank last month remains a mystery. Latest test results at the First National Bank (FNB) at the Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre proved negative relating to the prevalence of the bacteria. FNB, Boardwalk and the KZN Department of Health, in conjunction with the City of uMhlathuze, had all conducted tests after five people were exposed to the bacteria, with one patient being hospitalised. Results released this week could not pinpoint how employees could have contracted the bacteria. Allegations that Legionella could have spread from the air-conditioning unit have been ruled out. Four FNB staff members displayed severe flu symptoms associated with Legionnaires’ disease last month, which led to the indefinite closure of the bank. FNB initially stated the problem could have emanated from the air conditioning unit after employees complained of a bad odour. ‘The bacteria was definitely not in the air conditioning unit,’ said Boardwalk Inkwazi Manager, Sandra Kruger. ‘There should be no reason why the branch cannot be reopened. ‘There is no health risk for employees and the public, ‘There was no positive trace of the bacteria within our premises,’ said Kruger.

Locations
The possibility of Legionella bacteria prevalent in other City locations is not being ruled out. ‘With the bacteria being a natural occurring organism, it could be anywhere,’ said uMhlathuze City Health Director, Ziphi Dladla. ‘From the different samples taken and sent to the Communicable Disease Control laboratory in Pretoria, all tested negative for Legionella,’ Dladla said. In addition to blood tests, a final analysis is also being done to conclusively confirm the positive cases of Legionella. FNB spokesperson, Stephen Higgins, told the Zululand Observer they expected to reopen the branch in the next two weeks. ‘We have already completed repairs on the equipment and have cleaned out the system. ‘On Tuesday, we will retest the equipment for bacteria and sanitise it. This will take approximately a week to complete. ‘All staff are now back at work and we would like to reopen to coincide with month-end.’ For more information on Legionnaires’ Disease, check out www.richemp.org.za.