Freshwater bacteria causing Legionnaires' disease found in Scottish Police College

Traces of the Legionnaires' disease bug found in shower heads at Scottish Police College at Tulliallan in Fife during routine testing yesterday. Nobody is infected or unwell, and contingency plans are in place to fasten disaster recovery.

Police Scotland chief inspector Rachael Burns said: "On Wednesday, November 16, 2022, routine testing detected traces of Legionnaires' disease in five shower heads at the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan. The shower heads are being replaced and contingency plans are in place."

What is Legionnaires' disease?

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia, caused by inhaling a bacteria known as legionella found in water or soil. Smokers, people with weakened immune systems, and older adults, are particularly vulnerable to Legionnaires' disease. It mostly results in Pontiac fever, a milder illness resembling the flu, but Legionnaires' disease can be fatal when left untreated.




Most people become infected with Legionnaires' disease when they inhale bug-infested water droplets from a shower, faucet or whirlpool, or through the ventilation system in a large building. In major cases, Legionnaires' disease can lead to a number of life-threatening complications such as respiratory failure, septic shock and acute kidney failure.

Last week, Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone welcomed 300 probationary constables who were sworn into Police Scotland during a ceremony at the college, making this recent health scare even more alarming.

FAQs:

1. What are the first signs of Legionnaires disease?
   HeadacheMuscle achesFever that may be 104 F (40 C) or higher.
2. How common is Legionella in Scotland?
   Not common.