Cause of Legionella infection found

Source for Legionella infection apparently discovered

27/08/2013

Since August 10, there was a Legionella infection wave in warstein in the Sauerland, in which more than 100 people fell ill. In two people, the disease led to death.

As already reported yesterday (Legionella infections in Sauerland) came in Warstein to a wave of infection with Legionellosis, in which the trigger was still unknown. Today, the authorities were able to report a small success in the search for the cause and pursue a concrete track.

No final all-clear
The bacteria were discovered and tested in an air conditioner last week. A final all-clear wanted the health department of the district Soest, but not yet. Examinations of the samples will take a few days before you are 100 percent sure that the bacteria found are identical to those of the Legionella infections.

More than 100 cases of pneumonia have been reported by the authorities since 10 August. Two men did not survive the infection. The suspicious air conditioner has been turned off first and should not resume operation until after a thorough disinfection bacteria are no longer found.

The public health department is still expecting new diseases in the coming days, as the incubation period can be up to ten days. At the beginning of September, the situation should be relaxed in the hospital at the latest.

Muted optimism
The optimism of the experts is still restrained. Only after further detailed investigations should be pronounced an all-clear. Although the air conditioning is clearly contaminated with the bacteria and also the location and the wind direction match the homes of the patients, but only with absolute certainty the authorities want to finally give the green light.

Because on the night of Monday died another person. The 62-year-old patient was admitted to the Maria Hilf Hospital with pneumonia last week. The managing director of the clinic Dr. med. Hans-Christian Vatteroht, however, said the study was negative for a Legionella bacteria. An autopsy is now to provide information about the exact cause of death. (Fr)

Insecure citizens can call up further information on the website of the Maria Hilf Hospital in Warstein. A hotline numbered 02902-8910601 has been set up for those affected and their relatives. Employees of the hospital are available here from 8 am to 5 pm. (Fr)

Image: Sebastian Karkus