Legionella Outbreak:

Legionella cases remain unchanged; clarification pending

Legionella analysis in the lab(Bild: FOTOKERSCHI / BILAL AHMETOVIC)

While authorities await the results of the investigation into the major Legionella outbreak in Linz, they are playing it safe. The cooling tower suspected of being the source of the infections has been “drained.” The case is not only keeping the authorities busy but is also increasingly becoming a focus of city politics. Deputy Mayor Martin Hajart (ÖVP) is calling for full transparency and a public information campaign. 

For nearly a month, a Legionella outbreak in Linz has kept authorities busy. As reported, 28 cases have been publicly confirmed since then. Twenty-two of those affected live in the state capital. For three people—some of whom had pre-existing conditions—the severe pneumonia proved fatal. “No new cases have been reported since Thursday. We are continuing to take samples. Two companies have been identified where Legionella bacteria were detected,” said Ulrich Püschel, Director of Health for the City of Linz.

Microbiological analyses are still pending
However, it is not yet certain whether these two companies are the cause of the current cluster. In both cases, the microbiological tests are still pending. What is certain is that several cases have occurred in the Wiener Straße area.

Cooling tower no longer “spraying”
The cooling tower suspected of being the source of the infections has since been cleaned several times, and the cooling water has been replaced and disinfected. According to Linz AG, on Monday, August 24, it was also switched to dry operation, as weather conditions permitted. This means that water is no longer being sprayed onto the pipes on the roof for cooling purposes.

Calls for Political Action
“People expect to receive sufficient and up-to-date information that is readily available,” says Deputy Mayor Martin Hajart (ÖVP), calling for full transparency and a public information campaign. According to Hajart, the political bodies have not yet been consulted regarding the outbreak. The politician is therefore calling for representatives of Linz AG to be summoned to appear before the City Senate.

What the Statistics Show
A look at the statistics shows just how unusual the current outbreak in Linz is. Normally, there are five cases per year. “We then examine the homes or workplaces of those affected and usually find the source there,” says Püschel. This time, however, the search for the cause is proving to be significantly more difficult.