Already 15 cases

Legionella in the Ländle: research into the causes is underway

An increasing number of legionella infections have been detected in the lower Vorarlberg Rhine Valley since the beginning of the year. The state emphasizes that the reasons for this are being investigated. 

Of a total of 15 cases known in Vorarlberg so far this year, eleven are in the Lower Rhine Valley. The State Health Directorate is now working on identifying possible links. At the same time, the Environmental Institute is taking samples from possible sources of infection. Further investigations are being carried out by the Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES). The results of the investigations are not expected for around two weeks, as cultivating the bacteria and the technical assessment are very time-consuming.

Many possible sources of infection
The bacterium "Legionella pneumophila" is transmitted through nebulized water. The droplets containing the pathogen can spread in the air and be inhaled. Possible sources of infection are showers, humidifiers or taps, cooling towers or air conditioning systems. Transmission is also possible in swimming pools via waterfalls, slides, whirlpools and fountains. Under certain circumstances, handling compost and plant soil can also be a source of infection.

Two different diseases
Legionella causes two different diseases in humans: Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever. The former is a severe pneumonia that has to be treated with antibiotics. Pontiac fever is milder with flu-like symptoms and usually heals on its own within two to five days.