Savoie legionellosis outbreak causes two deaths and 41 cases

legionellosis bacterial outbreak Savoie public health investigation respiratory infection

The Agence régionale de santé (ARS) Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has reported a resurgence of legionellosis in Savoie, France. Between June 1 and August 10, 41 cases of the bacterial infection were recorded, affecting individuals aged 26 to 91. Of these, 40 patients required hospitalization for respiratory issues, and two individuals over the age of 80 have died.

Investigations are currently focused on the western part of the department and the Chambéry basin, where 25 of the cases were linked. Health authorities have conducted approximately thirty samples from various locations, including collective housing water networks, cooling towers, supermarkets, and restaurants, to identify the source of contamination. Results from these analyses are expected by August 17.

Legionellosis is a serious lung infection caused by inhaling contaminated water droplets. It is not contagious between humans. The ARS notes that the region typically sees between 200 and 400 cases annually, with a mortality rate of approximately 10 percent.