Linz Legionella outbreak infects 28 as source remains unknown

Health authorities in Linz are still trying to identify the source of a Legionella outbreak that has infected 28 people and killed three, ORF reports. Two possible sources have been identified, but neither has yet been confirmed.

Investigators are focusing on an area around the affected Linz AG building on Wiener Straße. Tests have shown an increased number of Legionella infections within a radius of about five kilometres.

Besides the Linz AG location, investigators have found another possible source in Linz’s industrial district, east of the city motorway. Laboratory tests must determine whether the Legionella bacteria found in samples match the subtypes from either location.

Health authorities are also using artificial intelligence to support the search. State health director Georg Palmisano said they were examining aerial images with an AI tool to identify possible emitters not included in previous sampling lists.

More than 150 water samples have been taken so far, with further testing planned. Health authorities said the drinking water supply was not affected by the outbreak.

It could take several weeks to establish the cause. Only after the precise Legionella subtypes have been identified will investigators know whether the bacteria came from one of the two suspected sources or whether they need to search for another infection source.