Legionnaire disease raises alarm at Rome courthouse ( Itália )

ROME, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- An alert was raised at the appeals court in Italy's capital Rome on Tuesday over a possible outbreak of Legionnaire's disease after high levels of Legionella bacteria were detected in the water softening system, local reports said.

"During routine checks, we found a consistent presence of Legionella bacteria in the water softening system," court president Luciano Panzani was quoted by Rome-based Il Messaggero newspaper as saying during an assembly with employees.

"The situation is presently under control but the problem, if not monitored, could cause very serious damages," Panzani said, adding it would take at least 40 days for the water to be once again potable.

According to Italian news agency ANSA, the court president had gained knowledge of the problem about the water softening system, which was deactivated in the past weeks, on Nov. 13. At least five cases of pneumonia were reported by employees in recent months.

Tuesday's revelation came just a few days after the water was declared undrinkable at the courthouse due to the presence of many rats which were being exterminated, ANSA also noted.

Legionnaires' disease, also called Legion fever, is a type of pneumonia caused by a species of aerobic bacteria belonging to the genus Legionella. The disease is spread by inhaling droplets of water which carry the bacteria; it cannot be transmitted from one person to another.