Outbreak of legionellosis of Sabadell (3)

• 22 September 2014
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Press release from the Department of Health. Information updated on 22/09/2014 - 14.25 h

34 cases (22 admitted, 8 discharged and 4 died)

The Catalan Public Health Agency continues the investigation of patients diagnosed with legionellosis declared during this week in Sabadell.

As is being reported daily, the Catalan Public Health Agency (ASPCAT) together with Sabadell City Council are continuing the investigation into the outbreak of legionellosis that has occurred in recent days in the municipality of Sabadell. In the last 24 hours, 3 new cases have been reported, bringing the total number of people affected to date to 34. It cannot be ruled out, to date, that they may appear more affected in the coming days as the incubation period of the disease is a maximum of ten days.

Therefore, the total number of discharges is 8 and the rest, 22 patients, remain hospitalized (18 in Parc Taulí, 2 in the General Hospital of Catalonia and 2 in the Clínica del Vallès). The total number of patients admitted is between 45 and 94 years of age and these are patients with predisposing risk factors or severe or very serious previous underlying pathology. The last reported cases began to show symptoms between 12 and 20 September, one of which required admission to the ICU.

The ASPCAT continues with the investigation of the outbreak and has strengthened both the activities of epidemiological surveillance and environmental research, while waiting for the results of the analyzes carried out in all facilities with possible involvement. A press conference is scheduled for September 26 to report on the results of ongoing research.

Useful information for citizens

• Legionellosis is transmitted by inhalation of water spray or aerosols.
• Legionellosis is not transmitted from person to person.
• Public water can be drunk without any danger, both from private homes and from public sources.
• Public water can be used for personal hygiene and cooking.