Three deaths in France linked to legionnaires' disease: how to protect yourself
More than 50 recent cases have been declared in Haute-Saône and Savoie
Cleaning showers and other water devices, especially after a long time of disuse, can help avoid legionella
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People are warned to be alert to legionella and Legionnaires’ disease (légionellose in French) after three deaths and dozens of cases have been recorded in recent days in eastern France.
A total of 51 cases have been identified in the Haute-Saône and Savoie departments in recent days, with at least six people being hospitalised.
Of the three deaths, one victim in Savoie was reported to be over 80 years old. The other two deaths were recorded in Port-sur-Saône (Haute-Saône).
This number is high compared to usual tallies, reports the regional Agence régionale de santé (ARS) health authority.
There are usually 200-400 cases in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes every year, it states, with 300 recorded in the whole of 2024.
Around 160 people die annually from the disease in France.
The ARS is investigating the origin of this latest outbreak, in partnership with the mairie of Albertville (where many cases have been recorded).
What is legionella and Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially serious lung infection caused by legionella bacteria in water. It is transmitted to humans when they breathe in water droplets containing a high level of the bacteria.
Around 1,600-2,000 new cases of Legionnaires are reported each year in France, states the Institut Pasteur, but it adds that “these figures are probably underestimated because the disease is difficult to diagnose”.
Legionella is not transmitted between people, and instead usually comes from infected water sources such as:
Showers
Jet-wash baths
Jacuzzis
Spa pools
More rarely, infections can be spread through decorative fountains, misting devices, humidifiers, and handling garden compost.
Drinking infected water does not cause an infection; only inhaling droplets via the respiratory system causes illness.
Symptoms include:
A high fever
Gastrointestinal issues and diarrhoea, especially in older people
Headache
Extreme tiredness
Cough
Breathing difficulties in advanced cases
It can often be confused with other respiratory / lung issues.
People with a compromised immune system are particularly vulnerable (including those with chronic illnesses, older people, cancer and transplant patients).
Factors that also increase the risk of diagnosis include:
The World Health Organization states that 75 to 80% of reported cases are in people aged 50 or over, and 60 to 70% of patients are men.
How to avoid the infection
Good care and cleanliness of taps and showers is a major way to avoid the issue.
The ARS advises people to:
Check that your 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
Clean, descale (using a white vinegar solution) and disinfect shower hoses, shower heads and tap nozzles at least once a year
Replace all old taps
Run showers and taps in lesser-used bathrooms at least once a week (e.g. guest rooms)
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
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)
