Legionnaires' disease spreads in Poland; More than 100 people were affected; The death toll has reached 16;Illness in the UK too

Legionnaires' disease is a serious respiratory infection transmitted by inhaling small droplets of infected water. Legionella pneumophila bacteria cause pneumonic disease. Deaths from the disease are more common in the elderly due to health problems such as cancer, officials said.

Homeland security officials said Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, that they are investigating the source of a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires' disease that has killed seven people and infected more than 100 in the strategic city of Rzeszow, Poland, near the border with Ukraine.

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — The death toll from Legionnaires' disease in Poland has risen to 16 after 140 more people were infected in the southeastern region near the border with Ukraine, health officials said. The Rzesov region, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the border, has been a major transit hub for international military support for Ukraine following Russia's full-scale invasion last year. About 10,000 US troops are stationed in the area.

Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of Legionnaires' disease in the city's water pipeline system. Authorities are still looking for the source of the infection, an unprecedented number in the region. The Homeland Security Agency is also investigating any signs of malicious activity. Experts say it's caused by infrequently used plumbing, where high temperatures during the recent heat wave allowed germs to spread. Chlorine was applied to the water system over the weekend for disinfection.

Illness in the UK too

Refugees were temporarily moved from the BB Stockholm barge in Dorset after the deadly Legionella bacteria was found in the water system of the UK refugee barge. All those on board the barge are likely to be moved to new accommodation as a precautionary measure. Immigration Minister Robert Gentick took stock of the situation.

Legionella bacteria, commonly found in water, can cause a serious type of lung infection known as Legionnaires' disease. At the same time, none of the people on the barge showed any symptoms of infection. However, the UK Health and Safety Agency has recommended additional testing of water supplies.

A routine check of the water supply was initially conducted on July 25, but the results were not released until August 7, the same day the refugees began boarding the barge.

Legionnaires' disease is a respiratory infection caused by inhaling contaminated water spray. However, it is not transmitted through drinking water. It is commonly caught in places like hotels, hospitals and offices where the bacteria has entered the water supply,

For example in air conditioning systems or taps and showers that are not used regularly. The pathogen thrives at temperatures between 20 and 50 degrees Celsius (68-122 degrees Fahrenheit). The disease is treated with antibiotics.