Linz prosecutors investigate deaths after Legionella outbreak

Prosecutors in Linz have opened an investigation on suspicion of negligent homicide following a Legionella outbreak in the greater Linz area, ORF Upper Austria reported on Tuesday. Thirty-two people contracted Legionnaires’ disease and three died.

The investigation is against unknown perpetrators, and police have already received instructions to investigate. According to ORF Upper Austria, the case was prompted by a complaint from a bereaved relative.

Investigators are currently focusing on a possible source of the infections. The same Legionella strain found in one patient was detected in a cooling system operated by Linz AG. Health authorities said the geographical and temporal distribution of the cases, along with preliminary analyses of air-flow conditions, also pointed to the system.

Linz AG said it was not currently the subject of the investigation. The prosecution service had expressly opened proceedings against unknown perpetrators. Authorities have also repeatedly stressed that drinking water was not affected.

The cooling system has since been cleaned and disinfected. Linz AG also switched it to dry operation, saying Legionella could no longer form in the system as a result.

The outbreak was reported in mid-July in the greater Linz area. The prosecution’s investigation is still at an early stage.

Legionella bacteria were also recently found in little-used sanitary facilities at the Hörsching military barracks in the Linz-Land district. The Austrian Armed Forces said no soldiers had been infected. The affected showers were closed and the pipes flushed, with the problem resolved in August. Any connection with the Linz outbreak remains unclear.