Legionella Outbreak in Milan’s San Siro District Grows to 12 Cases, One Fatality
A recent outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Milan’s San Siro district has expanded, with health authorities now reporting 12 confirmed cases and one death. The latest update from ATS Metropolitan City indicates an additional infection as last week. The outbreak is centered near via Rembrandt, affecting residents of multiple buildings.
Investigations are underway to pinpoint the source of the infection. Health officials have collected samples from the homes of those infected (11 homes sampled, one currently inaccessible) and from 30 neighboring properties. Results from 10 homes analyzed so far reveal Legionella presence in four residences, with six of those being adjacent to confirmed cases. Remediation measures have been recommended for one neighboring home where a positive result was detected.
Authorities are also inspecting public spaces with high foot traffic within the neighborhood. So far, no high-risk areas have been identified – specifically, no ornamental fountains, which can contribute to Legionella dispersal – but inspections are ongoing.
Legionella is a bacterium commonly found in freshwater environments, including building water systems, tanks, and pipes, notably when water temperatures range between 25-45 degrees Celsius and conditions favor stagnation, scale, and sediment buildup. ATS Milano explains that infection occurs through the inhalation of contaminated water droplets, but cannot be spread person-to-person, through food, or drinking water.
