Savoie legionellosis outbreak causes three deaths and 46 cases

Health authorities in Savoie, France, have confirmed a third death linked to a legionellosis outbreak. Between June 1 and August 14, a total of 46 cases of the bacterial infection have been reported.

The victims, aged between 26 and 91, primarily suffered from respiratory issues, leading to the hospitalization of 44 individuals. The three fatalities were all individuals over the age of 80. According to the ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, two of these deaths were linked to contamination from a private water network.

Most cases are concentrated in the Chambéry basin. Epidemiological and environmental investigations are currently underway to identify the exact source of the contamination. Authorities are examining various sites, including collective building water networks, cooling towers, supermarkets, and restaurants. Legionellosis is a non-contagious lung infection spread through the inhalation of contaminated water micro-droplets.