The seventh person found to be infected with Legionella has died, Chief Sanitary Inspector Krzysztof Saczka told Polsat News. A total of 76 infected people have been diagnosed with the infection so far.
Rzeszow: more victims of legionella
Published Aug. 25, 2023 09:12
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- The deceased were heavily burdened by their health situation, struggling with chronic illnesses, including oncology. They had severely reduced immunity. They are individuals between the ages of 63 and 95. They are four men and three women," stressed Krzysztof Saczka.
Meanwhile, we are waiting for the results of water tests from samples taken in the city. These are expected to be known on Monday.
- The results of the samples will verify what the situation is in the water supply system. Samples are taken at various locations, both those from which we take them as standard, and other selected ones, as well as in the apartments of people who have been found to be infected with legionella. This will help us know what the condition of the water supply actually is," the Chief Sanitary Inspector pointed out.
The source of the infection has still not been found. Geographic analysis does not make it easier, as the sites of infection are scattered throughout the city and surrounding areas. This overlaps with the extent of the water supply infrastructure. Its disinfection is scheduled for Saturday.
- This is a very big logistical challenge. Hundreds of kilometers of water systems are involved, in different technical condition, because they date from different periods. This disinfection will combat the Legionella bacteria in the water supply network, if indeed in this medium it has been dispersed throughout the city," adds Krzysztof Saczka.
As the Chief Sanitary Inspector emphasizes, the threat is still real, due to high temperatures that favor the proliferation of this bacterium, which appears to be quite common.
- Scientific studies show that it occurs in about 70 percent of water supplies. More than 90 percent of people have dealt with it. In principle, it is harmless to us on a daily basis. It becomes dangerous when it multiplies a lot and especially for immunocompromised people," says Krzysztof Saczka.
Legionella disease attacks the lungs and respiratory system. It is not transmitted from person to person or by eating food. Infection occurs through breathing an aerosol dispersed in the air. A place where there is a high risk of infection is the bathroom, especially if it is poorly ventilated. The bacterium dies immediately at temperatures above 70 degrees.
