Outbreaks of legionellosis in Sabadell and Ripollet (2)

• 24 September 2014

Press release from the Department of Health. Information updated on 24/09/2014 - 12.37 h

Sabadell: 35 cases (16 admitted, 15 discharged and 4 deaths) Ripollet: 5 cases (1 admitted, 1 discharged and 3 deaths)

The Catalan Public Health Agency is continuing its investigations into the cases of legionellosis reported during these weeks in the Vallès Occidental. We are currently working on the hypothesis of two outbreaks of the disease located in Sabadell and Ripollet
 

As is being reported daily, the Catalan Public Health Agency (ASPCAT) together with the Sabadell and Ripollet City Councils is continuing its investigation into the outbreaks of legionellosis that have occurred in recent days in the municipalities of Sabadell and Ripollet. In the last 24 hours 1 new case has been reported, bringing to 35 and 5 respectively, the total number of people affected so far.

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. In the Sabadell outbreak, the last reported case started on the 18th and in the Ripollet outbreak the last reported case started on the 16th of September.

Therefore, in the Sabadell outbreak the total number of discharges is 15 and the rest, 16 patients, remain hospitalized (15 in Parc Taulí and 1 in the Hospital General de Catalunya). In the case of Ripollet, one of the patients has been discharged and one remains hospitalized at the Hospital del Mar. 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 severe previous underlying pathology.

The ASPCAT continues to investigate the outbreaks and has strengthened both epidemiological surveillance and environmental research activities, while waiting for the results of the analyzes carried out in all facilities with possible involvement.

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.