Legionella bacteria found in Commons

Showers on the parliamentary estate have been closed following the discovery of legionella bacteria, the Commons authorities have said.

A spokesman said the showers and a tea point in Portcullis House had been shut as a “precautionary measure” after “low levels” of the bacteria were identified during routine monitoring by maintenance staff.

They added that some “isolated areas” of the building were affected and that a disinfection of the water system in those parts was being carried out. All other water sources in the building remained safe to use as normal. The bacteria, naturally present in water systems, cause Legionnaires’ disease, which is fatal in one in 10 cases.