Legionella Found in Sunderland Sports Complex; 6/30/2011

Higher levels than normal of bacteria were found in the water at Silksworth ski centre in Sunderland Scotland, which caused the sports complex to temporarily shut down.  

Found within that bacteria was Legionella, the waterborne bacteria that causes Legionnaire’s Disease. Legionnaire’s Disease is potentially fatal if contracted. In order to contract the legionnaire’s disease people must inhale the water mists. No one has reported having Legionnaire’s Disease from the bacteria yet and steps are being taken to manage the situation. 

Many patrons of the complex were shocked to hear of the bacteria outbreak. Some stated they were not sure if they would return when it re-opened.  Amy Pink, mother of three, said, “I think it will put a lot of people off going there. I’ll think twice in the future about taking my kids there after this to be honest.”

According to Julie Gray, head of community services at Sunderland City Council, “The complex has been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure, and will reopen as soon as remedial work to restore the water supply to its normal levels is complete.”

This complex is not the only building in Sunderland to find above normal levels of bacteria after testing. This past December the gym and pool at Monkwearmouth Comprehensive School were closed after water testing. Three months prior to that closing a woman reported to Sunderland Royal Hospital to be treated for Legionnaire’s Disease while in the East Willows ward, at Cherry Knowle Hospital, Ryhope.