The toll of the Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Savoie continues to rise. Between June 1st and August 14th, 46 cases were reported to health authorities, five more than in the previous report. Of those infected, 39 reside in the department and seven others had stayed there during the period in question.
The patients range in age from 26 to 91, and 44 of them required hospitalization due to respiratory problems. The majority of patients have now recovered and returned home. However, three people over the age of 80 have died. Two of these deaths are linked to contamination of a private water supply.
The Chambéry basin under surveillance
The investigation is focused on western Savoie, and more specifically around the Chambéry basin. Thirty of the 46 infected people live in this area or have frequented it. Approximately thirty samples have been taken from the water systems of apartment buildings, cooling towers, restaurants, and supermarkets to search for a possible common source.
Legionnaires' disease is a lung infection caused by bacteria found in some water systems. Contamination occurs primarily through the inhalation of contaminated droplets produced by showers, hot tubs, or aerosol-generating devices. Person-to-person transmission remains rare. Authorities are continuing their investigations to identify the source of other cases and prevent further infections.
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