Tests confirm cooling tower as source of Linz Legionella outbreak

ORF reported that a cooling tower operated by Linz Strom Gas Wärme GmbH has been confirmed as the source of at least one Legionella infection in Linz. The same Legionella bacteria were detected in the facility and in a sample from an affected patient, according to joint information from the Upper Austrian government, authorities and the Agency for Health and Food Safety.

The Linz AG utility company said the drinking water supply was not affected.

Authorities said 32 people had fallen ill since the Legionella outbreak began in the Linz area, with three deaths. No further case has been reported for more than a week.

Evidence of a connection to cooling systems operated by a company in Linz had strengthened in recent days. A sequencing result showed that a Legionella isolate from a cooling tower on Wienerstraße matched an isolate from a patient. The geographical and chronological distribution of the cases, along with initial analyses of airflow, also indicated a connection.

Linz AG said authorities had informed it for the first time on Friday about the matching samples. The company expressed “great regret” and said it was relieved that the affected person had since recovered.

Linz AG said there was currently no evidence linking the facility to any other illnesses. It was cleaned and disinfected after the Legionella finding and then switched to dry operation. The company said this ruled out any further formation of Legionella.

The cause of the outbreak is still being investigated. Linz AG said the facility met the latest technical standards and that all mandatory inspections had been carried out properly.

According to the Agency for Health and Food Safety, more than 200 water samples have so far been examined from households, workplaces, accommodation businesses and cooling systems.