Legionella Outbreak in Milan‘s San Siro District Claims One Life, Investigation Ongoing
Milan, Italy – An outbreak of legionella bacteria in the San Siro district of Milan is under intense investigation following the death of an 89-year-old man on November 3rd, who had pre-existing health conditions. As of today,eleven individuals have been infected,with eight currently hospitalized,prompting a widespread search for the source of the contamination.
The difficulty in pinpointing the origin lies in the geographically dispersed nature of the cases; infected individuals reside in various buildings, some hundreds of meters apart, and appear to have no connection to one another. The affected area spans approximately 500 meters, encompassing streets including Capecelatro, tracia, Preneste, Rembrandt, and Morgantini, and includes both public housing managed by Aler and private condominiums.
Authorities are focusing on identifying the source of the bacteria, which thrives in aquatic environments and spreads through inhalation of contaminated water droplets (aerosols). “Contagion occurs exclusively through inhalation of tiny drops (aerosols) of contaminated water,” stated Ats, the local health authority. “Contagion from person to person is not possible, nor by drinking the water.”
ats is currently analyzing water samples collected from the homes of those infected and from various condominiums. Checks are also underway at other perhaps “sensitive places” within the affected zone.
To prevent Legionella infection, Ats recommends maintaining hot water temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius and regularly purging domestic water storage tanks – both hot and cold – several times a year.Proper maintenance of water filters and softeners is also crucial. Individuals are advised to run hot and cold water for several minutes before showering, keeping bathroom windows open and avoiding prolonged time spent in the bathroom during this process. Following periods of inactivity, such as vacations, the same procedure should be followed.
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as high fever, cough, or breathing difficulties is urged to seek immediate medical attention.
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