Legionella detected in water pipes in Pilestredet 50 and 52 and Fyrhuset
Legionella bacteria has been detected in the water pipes supplying OsloMet's buildings in Pilestredet 50 and 52, and in Fyrhuset. Medical filters have now been installed in all the showers.
Updated November 8: Open showers
Medical filters have now been installed in all the showers in Pilestredet 50 and 52. Most of the showers are thus open again. However, some showers that are little used are still kept closed, so that water does not remain in the pipes. Handwashers in SiO's kitchens have also been fitted with a medical filter.
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KLP, which owns the buildings that OsloMet uses in Pilestredet, has found moderate amounts of legionella bacteria in the water in the pipes supplying Pilestredet 50, Pilestredet 52 and Fyrhuset.
Legionella is transmitted by inhaling water vapour, often from showers. It is safe to drink the water and wash hands.
No cases of the disease have been registered at OsloMet.
The showers in Pilestredet 50 and 52 were immediately closed after information from KLP on October 29. SiO has also stopped using hand sprayers for dishwashing in their kitchens in the affected buildings.
Many who are infected with legionella bacteria develop mild flu-like symptoms or no symptoms. People with weakened immune systems and underlying diseases are at risk for a more serious disease progression.
If you have used the showers in Pilestredet 50 or 52 recently, and are concerned about infection, you should contact a doctor.
Measures
The following measures were implemented on October 29:
- All of the 50 showers connected to gymnasiums and training rooms in Pilestredet 50 and 52 are closed
- The showers will be fitted with medical filters, which prevent the bacteria from coming out with the water
- Use of hand sprayers for dishwashing in SiO's kitchens and similar equipment in special rooms in the affected buildings has been stopped
- Hand sprayers and similar equipment in special rooms will be fitted with medical filters, which prevent the bacteria from coming out with the water
OsloMet has informed the district medical officer about the case.
KLP is implementing necessary measures so that the affected buildings can be used as normal.
Routine tests of the water will be conducted in all buildings on our campuses in Pilestredet and at Kjeller going forward.
About legionella bacteria
Legionella bacteria are commonly found in nature and are present in surface water and soil, and can enter the pipe network in buildings via the drinking water supply, where they can multiply to a level that poses an infection risk. The bacteria thrive best at temperatures between 20 and 50 degrees.
Read more about Legionella bacteria on the Norwegian Institute of Public Health's website (fhi.no).
Contact
If you have questions about the measures at OsloMet, contact property support by email: bie@oslomet.no, Director of Property Management Mariann Hole, phone: 916 56 646, or Head of Section Marianne Fugløy Lidstrøm, phone: 473 74 929.
(This text is translated using the Sikt AI chat)
