Savoie: Two deaths linked to Legionnaires' disease reported by regional health agency

Two elderly individuals, both over 80 years old, have died from Legionnaires' disease in the Savoie region of France. The deaths occurred between June 1 and August 10, a period that saw a significant increase in reported cases of the bacterial lung infection.

During this timeframe, health authorities in Savoie recorded 41 cases of Legionnaires' disease. Of these, 40 patients required hospitalization. The affected individuals range in age from 26 to 91, with 34 residing in Savoie and seven having visited the department. Investigations are underway to pinpoint the source of the contamination, focusing primarily on the western part of the department and the Chambéry basin, as 25 cases are linked to this area.

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41 cases of Legionnaires' disease have been reported to health authorities in Savoie.

Health officials have collected approximately thirty water samples from various sources, including collective building water systems, cooling towers, supermarkets, and restaurants. Initial results from these investigations are anticipated by August 17. Legionnaires' disease, caused by inhaling contaminated water droplets, is fatal in about 10% of cases. The regional health agency (ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) typically reports between 200 and 400 cases annually in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

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About thirty samples have been taken: collective building water systems, cooling towers, supermarkets, restaurants, etc.