The defective pump has already been replaced and since then the hot water system has been flushed with hot water to kill the germs. A check-up is scheduled for the end of this week. The results of the measurement, on the basis of which a decision will be made on whether to reopen the showers, are expected to be available at the beginning of June.

An infection caused by legionella must be reported. So far, no such cases have been reported to the health department. As the incubation period can be up to ten days, a later occurrence of individual cases cannot be completely ruled out, but the probability is estimated to be low.

Background information: What is legionella and how dangerous is it?

Legionella are bacteria that occur naturally in water and can multiply under certain conditions - especially in warm, stagnant water. Technical systems such as hot water systems, air conditioning systems or showers provide suitable conditions for this. As a rule, they do not pose a risk when drinking contaminated water, but become dangerous when inhaling finely atomized water (aerosols), such as when showering.

An infection can lead to legionellosis (also known as Legionnaires' disease), a severe form of pneumonia. Older people, smokers and people with a weakened immune system are particularly at risk. A milder form is known as Pontiac fever, which causes flu-like symptoms.

Transmission from person to person is not possible. Regular maintenance and checks - such as those carried out in the VW bathroom - serve to detect and prevent such risks at an early stage.