Recent death after suspected Legionella outbreak

ROME – After 11 reported cases, eoght hospitalisations and one death, the Metropolitan City of Milan Health Authority (ATS) has released a statement saying that they are “managing a suspected Legionella outbreak" in the San Siro neighbourhood of Milan. 

 What is Legionella?

 Legionella is a type of bacteria that occurs naturally in freshwater, as well as man-made water systems such as plumbing, air-conditioning and heating. It is not known to cause illness if ingested but if inhaled through air-borne droplets it can poses the risk of developing into Legionnaire’s disease or Pontic fever. 

 While Pontic fever is the more mild of the two, Legionnaire’s disease, if left untreated can be fatal and poses a particular risk to those with pre-existing health conditions and above the age of 50. According to the ATC, there is no evidence to suggest that it can be transmitted from person to person. 

  According to initial reports released Monday evening the outbreak took place in the area adjacent to Via Rembrandt, in the San Siro neighbourhood, home to the famous stadium. Thus far 11 cases have been reported, one person has died, and eight were in Hospital.The ATC has since opened an investigation into the cause and origin point of the outbreak announcing that, “investigations have been launched to identify the source of the infection through in-home sampling. But the laboratory results are still pending and as are the evaluations of other sensitive areas in the neighbourhood."

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