Innsbruck steps up checks after rise in Legionella infections

Innsbruck has recorded more Legionella infections in 2026 than last year, prompting the city to step up checks and other measures, ORF reports.

The city said on Wednesday that possible sources had been identified and were being investigated in coordination with the Tyrol state government. Samples have been taken from potential technical sources in recent weeks and are now being analysed. Facilities that could be sources of infection are also being thoroughly cleaned as a precaution.

Legionella bacteria can occur where warm water stands for long periods or is turned into an aerosol. The city recommends regularly checking pipes and water-treatment systems. Health department head Ulrich Schweigmann also advised households to flush pipes regularly and, after a prolonged period without use, run hot water at a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius.

Legionella can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, or the milder Pontiac fever, which does not cause pneumonia. The city said swallowing Legionella in drinking water is not dangerous because stomach acid kills the bacteria. Precautions have been put in place for residents of care homes.