An urgent warning has been sent out to GAA clubs across the country to flush out their water systems as they could contain dangerous bacteria that can cause a dangerous pneumonia-like disease.
Fears are now mounting that the deadly Legionnaires' disease, a potentially lethal infection caused by Legionella bacteria, could be found in the fresh waters at clubs around Dublin.
It can cause severe headaches, muscle pains, nausea, and coughs, and kills around 10% of healthy individuals that contract the disease, and up to 25% of those with underlying conditions.
No vaccine is available for the disease, and the bacteria can infect stagnant water systems when they are not being treated properly.
And GAA clubs, which hope to be reopening this summer, have now been hit with a serious warning to ensure their water systems are properly drained before allowing anyone back in.
The warning was issued in the March edition of the GAA Club Newsletter, which reads: "It is important that water is not allowed to stagnate within the water system and so there should be careful management of properties left vacant for extended periods,.
"To manage the risks during non-occupancy, consideration should be given to implementing a suitable flushing regime or other measures such as draining the system if it is to remain vacant for long periods."
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