Legionellosis in Steinfort: investigation continues

The Luxembourg Ministry of Health and Social Security, together with the municipality of Steinfort, reported the completion of a sanitary analysis of drinking water that did not reveal the presence of legionella, a bacteria that causes a severe form of pneumonia. The results relate to both the pipeline network and two reservoirs in Steinfort and Kleinbettingen.

However, the causes of the outbreak, which resulted in eight residents being diagnosed with legionellosis between 4 and 9 July, remain unknown. Additional analyses of potential sources of contamination in the environment are underway.

Restrictions on the use of showers for persons over 65 years of age and immunocompromised people have been lifted. The special telephone line previously opened for preventive purposes has also been deactivated. For sanitation questions, citizens should now call the standard sanitation inspection number: 247-85650 (or 112 outside office hours).

The investigation is ongoing, led by the Directorate of Sanitation with the active support of the National Health Laboratory (LNS), the Administration of Water Management (AGE), the Ministry of the Environment, the Inspectorate of Labour and Mines (ITM) and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). One hypothesis under consideration is the influence of climate change, which may increase the risk of legionellae in the environment.

While the final conclusions have not been made, the authorities promise to promptly inform the population about new facts.