Third death recorded following Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Savoie
Spread of disease localised in Chambéry. All three deaths occurred in people aged 80 or older
A third person has died in France following an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in the east of the country, regional health authorities have confirmed.
A total of 46 cases of the diseases in people aged between 26 and 91 have been reported since June 1 in the Savoie department (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region) said the Agence régionale de santé (regional health authorities, ARS).
Of these, 44 were hospitalised with respiratory issues, and “most” have now been discharged, the ARS said.
All three people who died were aged at least 80, and “two of these deaths, including the most recent one, are linked to contamination of a private water system,” the ARS added.
All those who have been infected either live in Savoie (39 cases) or passed through the department (7 cases) this summer.
The Chambéry area is thought to be the centre of the outbreak, and where the majority of cases have occurred.
“Epidemiological and environmental investigations have been conducted and are ongoing to try to determine the source of the contamination,” the ARS said.
Samples have been collected from several areas including restaurants, supermarkets, air conditioning units, and other sources.
Savoie was the site of a similar outbreak of the disease last year, which saw more than 50 cases and two deaths.
Disease spread via water droplets
Legionnaires’ disease (légionellose) is a respiratory illness caused by the legionella bacteria, which can be present in water droplets.
The disease is not usually spread by drinking contaminated water but by inhaling droplets where the bacteria is present.
This is often from cooling towers, humid locations, hot tubs, rarely used sinks or showerheads, etc.
Similarly, the disease cannot be spread from person-to-person.
Symptoms include:
Coughing
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or discomfort, particularly when breathing or coughing
High temperature
Flu-like symptoms
In older people, gastrointestinal issues are also common
They typically appear between two and 10 days after infection, and severe infections can cause further respiratory issues.
Around 1,800 cases are reported in France each year.
Following hospitalisation, a round of antibiotics is typically required, and patients with severe cases may need to wear oxygen masks or use machines to help them breathe.
The disease has a fatality rate of around 10%, and is particularly dangerous to elderly people, and those with comorbidities or respiratory conditions.
Last year, 24 deaths recorded in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes were attributed to the disease.
How to reduce risk
Good care and cleanliness of taps and showers is a major way to avoid the issue at home, and you should regularly clean all faucets and showerheads.
In addition, they should be descaled and disinfected at least once per year.
The ARS also advises people to:
Check hot water temperature is higher or equal to 50C where it is stored (not at point of use)
Have your hot water system serviced once a year by a professional
Replace all old taps
Run showers and taps in lesser-used bathrooms at least once a week
When returning from a long period of disuse (e.g. after a long holiday), temporarily increase the temperature of your hot water tank storage to thermally clean the pipes
Run cold and hot water through taps and showers for a few minutes when returning from a long holiday
Regularly disinfect water and equipment used in jacuzzis and spa baths
Ensure water baths that require it are regularly cleaned and maintained with chlorine or similar chemicals
Use sterile water to clean and fill any medical equipment used for breathing (e.g. sleep aids)
