The Australian Defence Force (ADF) Health Facility in Enoggera has voluntarily participated in a state-wide Legionella test program with the Queensland Government Department of Health.
More than 300 Queensland hospitals have undergone testing and the results have been collated and analysed.
The Legionella bacterium is found naturally in the environment and is often found in low concentration in water supplies.
Commander Joint Health, Rear Admiral Robyn Walker said Enoggera Health Centre has reported very low levels of Legionella species in two samples. The specific Legionella species that causes the majority of Legionnaires Disease has not been detected.
“As a precautionary, measure ADF patients have been removed from the affected areas, taps and showers have been sealed and the water outlets have been flushed,” Rear Admiral Walker said.
Defence is committed to working closely with the Queensland Government.
No cases of Legionnaires Disease have been reported by ADF personnel, and the risk of exposure of Defence personnel to the bacteria has been assessed as very low.
“The Chief Health Officer Queensland Health is compiling a report which is expected to make recommendations about infrastructure management and monitoring programs regarding Legionella. Defence will be guided by the advice of the Queensland Health Department and the results of their report,” Rear Admiral Walker said.
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
