Aquasplash closed as Legionella bacteria detected

A swimming centre in St Helier has closed temporarily due to the discovery of bacteria.

Aquasplash said during one of its routine tests on Friday it found Legionella bacteria in a "number of water outlets within the facility".

The bacteria can be inhaled through droplets of water and can cause Legionnaires' disease - with symptoms including a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, a high temperature and flu-like symptoms, the NHS says.

Serco Jersey Ltd, the company that runs the centre, said although the risk to the public was "very low", it would temporarily close to allow its water system to be disinfected. It added no current cases of illness had been linked to it.

The company, which is becoming part of the government's Active gym, said once the bacteria was detected it "immediately implemented precautionary measures, including the closure of showers and wash basins".

"The swimming pools themselves are unaffected, as they operate on a separate, independently treated water system," it added.

The government said plans to open Aquasplash as part of its Active membership on Thursday were postponed following specialist health and safety advice and it would instead be closed until 8 October.

It said: "The temporary closure will enable the water system to undergo a programme of disinfection, further testing and any additional remedial works that may be required.

"This will ensure all necessary control measures are in place before services are reintroduced in a phased and controlled manner."

Aquasplash said Active members could access swimming facilities at Les Quennevais during the closure and that further updates would be provided "as works progress".

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