Legionnaires' disease concern shuts leisure centre
BBCA leisure centre has been closed with "immediate effect" following the detection of Legionella bacteria in its water system.
The States of Guernsey said the Beau Sejour Leisure Centre was being closed on Tuesday and Wednesday as a precaution after routine testing found the bacteria, which can occasionally cause Legionnaires' disease.
It said Public Health confirmed there was no known cases of the disease in the community.
The government warned the centre would not reopen until it was "confirmed safe".
The States said the preliminary results from the routine testing was received on Monday, with showers immediately shut as a result.
It said further investigations had led to the decision to shut the centre, with more extensive investigations and testing under way to identify the cause.
It said teams were working hard to find solutions to mitigate the impact the closure could have on upcoming events, and it was hoped it would reopen by the weekend.
Legionnaire's disease was a serious lung infection transmitted by inhaling droplets of infected water containing the Legionella bacteria, health leaders said.
It is usually picked up from sources such as air conditioning systems, showers and taps that were not properly designed, installed or maintained, they added.
Symptoms usually developed between two and 14 days after exposure, health leaders said.
The States urged anyone who used showers at Beau Sejour in the past two weeks and developed symptoms to seek medical advice, and mention they might have been exposed to Legionella.
It said, while anyone could develop the disease, the risk was higher among older adults, smokers and people with weakened immune systems or underlying lung disease.
"The health and safety of Beau Sejour visitors and staff is an absolutely priority, further updates will be provided as the situation develops," officials said.
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