Outbreaks of legionellosis in Sabadell and Ripollet

• 24 September 2014
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Press release from the Department of Health. Information updated on 23/09/2014 - 19.22 h

Sabadell: 34 cases (17 admitted, 13 discharged and 4 deaths)
Ripollet: 5 cases (1 admitted, 1 discharge and 3 deaths)

The Catalan Public Health Agency continues investigations into 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. No new cases have been reported in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of people affected so far to 34 and 5 respectively.

It cannot be ruled out, to date, that they may appear more affected over the next few days as the incubation period of the disease is a maximum of 10 days. In the Sabadell outbreak, the last reported case started on the 20th 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 13 and the rest, 17 patients, remain hospitalized (15 in Parc Taulí and 2 in the General Hospital of Catalonia). In the case of Ripollet, one of the patients has been discharged and another is admitted to 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 Public Health Agency 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 at all facilities. with possible involvement. Useful information for citizens

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.