Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Italy (Milan area)
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has reported an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Milan, Italy (week ending August 11th). https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/communicable-disease-threats-report-week-32-2024.pdf
As of 8 August 2024, a total of 49 cases of Legionnaires' disease, including three deaths, have been reported by local public health authorities in Milan (Lombardy Region, Italy).
Cases were recorded in two municipalities which are in the metropolitan area of Milan: the municipalities of Corsico and Buccinasco.
The first case developed symptoms on 11 April 2024, with most cases developing symptoms during the period 10 June to 28 July. The cases are between the ages of 26 and 94 years.
No Travel-Associated Legionnaires' Disease (TALD) cases have been reported associated with the outbreak.
Water samples have been collected from several sampling sites of the municipal water supply system, both from private residence water systems of patients/control cases and from cooling towers.
Investigations are underway to determine the source of the outbreak. Public health activities in response to the outbreak are ongoing to prevent transmission and emergence of new cases, including a chemical disinfection of the municipal water supply system with chlorine.
The presentation of cases reported to date suggests a community outbreak localised to a limited area of two municipalities in Milan. Preventive control actions are reported to be ongoing. The infection risk is limited to persons residing in or visiting the localised geographical areas of the outbreak source.
Advice for travellers
- Make sure you flush through showers with hot water in your accommodation if they have not been used recently and before you use them for the first time.
- Seek medical advice quickly if you develop a flu-like illness with a high temperature (fever), cough or shortness of breath during your stay or for up to two weeks after return home. You should inform any healthcare professionals that you may have been exposed to Legionnaires' disease and mention the area you visited.
More information on Legionnaires' Disease is available here: https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/legionellosis/factsheet/legionnairesdiseasefactsheetforthepublic/