As of September 17, more than 400 cases of pneumonia were registered in the Lombardy region of northwestern Italy, 42 of which were diagnosed as Legionnaires' disease. On September 21, the number of cases increased by approximately 101,000, according to the Rospotrebnadzor website.
For Legionellosis is an infection caused by Legionella bacteria, which inhabit natural bodies of water and industrial water systems and cause respiratory damage. The disease often progresses to severe pneumonia.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports that the outbreak is caused by contamination of air-conditioning units in which the microorganisms were found.
In the summer of 2018, a Legionnaires' disease outbreak had already been reported in the city of Bresso, Lombardy. There were fatalities. In the city center, where the deceased tourists were staying, four fountains were closed, and the city's swimming pools, sports facilities, and migrant center were disinfected.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, outbreaks of legionellosis are becoming more frequent in Europe every year, with 70% of these outbreaks reported in Italy, Spain, Germany and France.
Source: trn-news.ru