Legionella detected at Wellington jail

The bacteria which can develop into the potentially fatal legionnaires disease has been detected at the Wellington Correctional Centre.

The Department of Corrective Services says immediate action has been taken to flush out the water system to remove the legionella bacteria.

A spokesman says legionella was detected during routine water sampling in the shower area.

He says there is no risk to public health and the ABC understands no staff or prisoners have legionnaires disease.