Three people admitted to the Hospital Comarca in Vélez-Málaga in the past six weeks have been diagnosed as having pneumonia as a result of infection by the Legionella bacteria.
All three live in Benajarafe and tests have been carried out on various water sources, both public and in homes, to try and isolate the source of the bacteria.
Possible sources of the bacteria include irrigation facilities, cooling towers, hot water systems, cold water and chlorine-free water. In one case the source has been traced to the patient’s home.
Experts also found the bacteria in the sprinkler systems at the local sports field and, although not required to do so by the health authorities, the Council closed the facility on October 20th.
A specialist company has been hired to proceed with cleaning the sprinklers and a comprehensive plan is being drafted to monitor and evaluate all municipal facilities including public buildings and even gardens.
Two of those who were infected have been discharged from hospital, a third remains hospitalised but is progressing satisfactorily.