Traces of legionella bacteria have been discovered in bubble pools at Hjortensbergsbadet swimming facility in Nyköping, Sweden, according to a report from SVT Sörmland. The discovery was made more than a week ago during routine testing at the facility, which is operated by Medley.
The bacteria were found in bubble pools in both the main swimming area and the relaxation section of the facility. In response to the findings, the affected pools have been closed while awaiting new test results expected next week.
legionella can cause infections that may require medical treatment, including antibiotics
Mikael Karlsson, a representative involved with the facility, confirmed that closing the pools was one of the measures taken following the test results. According to Caroline Schönning, an investigator at the Swedish Public Health Agency (Folkhälsomyndigheten), legionella infection can require medical treatment if someone becomes seriously ill.
Information about the pool closures was posted on the facility's website, but the specific reason involving legionella was not communicated until more than a week later. Karlsson attributed this delay to uncertainties in communication protocols between the facility and Medley regarding information dissemination.
the delay in communication was due to unclear routines between the facility and Medley regarding who should release the information first
The incident has raised questions about public notification procedures when potential health risks are identified at public swimming facilities.