During routine sampling, experts found legionella contamination in Munich’s Westbad. The indoor swimming pool, including the sauna, must therefore be closed on Wednesday, October 20, announced the Stadtwerke München (SWM) on Monday. While the bathroom is closed, “various measures against legionella” will be taken: shower heads with special legionella filters will be used and the affected systems will be thoroughly disinfected.
The measures should take place very quickly, the Westbad should be reopened to bathers on Thursday from 10 a.m., according to SWM. “However, further restrictions in the course of subsequent sampling cannot currently be ruled out.”
Legionella are bacteria that are found in freshwater around the world. Although they can cause different, mostly flu-like symptoms in humans, they are usually not dangerous for people with a stable immune system. Regular samples are taken in all public utility baths in order to be able to react as quickly as possible in the event of a finding.