E. coli at the Faculty of Law

A water sample taken on Monday revealed E. coli contamination in the drinking water at Domus Media. Technical Director Frode Meinich has no knowledge of when the last water sample was taken, and cannot not rule out that there has been a danger of infection during some time. Nevertheless, he believes that the result is caused by a technical error.

– Our theory is that the samples have been contaminated at a later point in time. However, we are taking every precaution until we know exactly what has happened, and are giving out water bottles during exams. We have also put up signs to warn people from drinking tap water.

– Why do you believe that the findings are wrong?

– The water was tested in order to check for heavy metals and so the samples were not handled sterilely. Nor do we have information about any sick students.

– What will you do if it turns out that the tests are positive?

– If that happens, we will continue with the existing precautions while trying to find the source of contamination. It is difficult to understand how the water can have been contaminated after the water intake, so in that case it would be natural to contact the waterworks.

Expert in contamination protection at the Norwegian Board of Health Supervision, Otto Closs, says that contamination at a later state rarely causes E. coli if the sample is taken correctly, but points out that there may still be a source of infection even if none of the students have been contaminated.

Medical Superintendent at the Student Health Services, Marit Eskeland, reports that there have not been any cases of patients with symptoms of E. coli infection. She adds that the contagiousness of E. coli is dependent on the concentration of bacteria.

– A person’s general condition has a lot to say for whether or not he or she is infected, and I would have to say that the general condition among the student population is very good.

Meinich informs that they will know for sure if there is danger of infection on Wednesday.