Basel Legionnaires' Outbreak Linked to Manor Building Cooling Towers

Basel is grappling with a Legionnaires' disease outbreak that has claimed one life and hospitalized five individuals. Health authorities have identified the source of the contamination as two water cooling towers located on the main Manor building in the Petit-Bâle area. These installations have since been taken out of service for sanitation at the request of officials.

In total, 26 people have been infected, with 25 requiring hospitalization. While four patients have been released, the situation remains serious. Manor, the department store whose building houses the affected cooling towers, stated it is coordinating with authorities. The company confirmed that three employees have shown symptoms consistent with pneumonia.

The cantonal laboratory detected high levels of Legionella pneumophila, the bacteria responsible for most human infections, in the cooling towers. Manor emphasized that it is taking all necessary measures in consultation with authorities and expressed regret over the situation, prioritizing the well-being of its employees. The store has also deactivated its air conditioning and advised employees to work remotely due to the high temperatures.

Basel health authorities have urged operators of large industrial facilities using wet cooling systems to register with the cantonal laboratory for additional sampling. To date, no such declarations have been received.

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the protection and well-being of employees and their surroundings constitute the absolute priority of Manor.