Poland’s Internal Security Agency conducts investigation to determine cause of outbreak of legionellosis that was recorded in an area near the border with Ukraine and caused the death of eight people.
The focus of the outbreak is in the city of Rzeszow and the surrounding area. According to AP, the city is an important hub in the provision of military assistance to Ukraine. Additionally, some 10,000 US military personnel are deployed in the region.
A representative of the hospital in the city of Rzeszow said this Saturday that the number of deceased people increased to eight. It is reported that the deceased patients were elderly and, in addition, some suffered from other diseases.
For their part, the country’s health authorities reported this Friday that 113 people were diagnosed with legionellosis.
The source of the infection is being investigated
In the fight against the spread of the disease, the Rzeszow authorities decided to carry out disinfection of the pipes supplying water in the area with ozone and chlorine.
Meanwhile, the deputy minister for special services of the State, Stanislaw Zaryn, confirmed to the local agency PAP that an investigation is being carried out, highlighting that it is a routine process.
The source of the infection is currently unknown. Members of the Polish Internal Security Agency examined water supply systems and still found no reason to suspect sabotage, Reuters reports with reference to local media.
What is known about the disease
Legionnaires’ disease is an infectious and potentially fatal disease that affects the lungs.
This condition is not transmitted from person to person, but through infected water from cooling towers, plumbing systems, bathtubs, and showers.
Its incubation period is about 14 days and the symptoms resemble that of the flu.
It is especially dangerous for people over 70 years of age or for people who suffer from other diseases. With RT
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2024-03-21 08:41:58
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