Legionärskrankheit: Keime im Kühlturm: 26 Anwohner in der Schweiz krank, 1 tot
Die Bakterien kommen durch die Luft, in winzig kleinen Tröpfchen. Häufig passiert die Legionellen-Ansteckung beim Duschen. Doch in der Schweiz scheint ein Kühlturm schuld an einem Ausbruch zu sein.
A severe outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in the Swiss city of Basel is believed to be linked to a cooling tower on the roof of a building. In the past two weeks, 26 residents have been infected with the disease, and one person has died. The affected individuals required treatment, some in intensive care. The health department reported that the most likely source of the outbreak has now been shut down.
The cooling tower, which operates with water, was contaminated with Legionella bacteria. The water system releases water vapor that can travel in a larger area depending on weather conditions and wind patterns. "When residents inhale the water droplets, they can become infected," stated the health department. Air conditioning units and heat pumps commonly used in private homes were not affected.
People with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable to Legionella, which can cause flu-like symptoms or severe pneumonia. Legionella bacteria are often transmitted through aerosolized water, such as in showers, hot tubs, humidifiers, or faucets. Ideal conditions for Legionella growth occur at temperatures between 25 and 45 degrees Celsius.
People with weakened immune systems or certain underlying health conditions, such as diabetes and heart and lung diseases, are especially at risk. In Germany, over 2,000 people were last infected with Legionnaires' disease, with larger outbreaks being rare. In 2024, the Robert Koch Institute reported 104 deaths from the disease, compared to 115 in 2023.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
