Another possible Legionella source found in Linz

ORF Upper Austria reports that Legionella bacteria have been detected at a commercial business near a cooling facility already linked to an outbreak in Linz that has killed three people.

The affected facility has reportedly been partly disinfected. It remains unclear whether the finding is connected to the illnesses, and no cases have so far been reported among the company’s employees.

Authorities examine further samples

Health authorities are continuing to search for the source of the outbreak. Around 160 samples have been taken from possible Legionella sources, including cooling systems and other potential sources.

Analysing the samples will take time. They must be examined over a longer period to determine whether they contain Legionella bacteria and, if so, which strains. Only then can authorities assess whether there is a connection to the illnesses.

A total of 28 people in the Linz area have contracted Legionnaires’ disease, and three have died. Closely related Legionella strains have already been detected in patients.

Whether confirmed findings in the cooling systems are the actual source of the outbreak remains under investigation. Tests so far have found no evidence that the drinking-water supply is affected. Authorities are therefore focusing on possible sources where contaminated water could enter the air as an aerosol and be inhaled.