With news that asylum seekers aboard the Bibby Stockholm barge have been moved after legionella bacteria was found in the water, here are the symptoms of deadly legionnaires’ disease
Asylum seekers on the controversial Bibby Stockholm barge have been moved after bacteria that can cause a deadly lung infection was found in its water system.
Legionella was discovered in the Dorset-based barge’s plumbing, it was confirmed on Friday afternoon. The bug can be naturally present in water and, when ingested, can lead to legionnaires’ disease – a type of pneumonia with a one in 10 death rate.
Immigration minister Robert Jenrick is understood to be chairing meetings about the discovery as those on board were moved to emergency accommodation. None of the residents aboard the barge have displayed symptoms of the infection.
It can cause serious illnesses in people over the age of 50, smokers and those with underlying health conditions. The bacteria multiply when the temperature of water is between 25C and 50C or if there is poor or no flow into the system.