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The public health department has linked the deaths of two residents in the Berlinovo housing complex to Legionnaires’ disease. The state-owned housing estate in Berlin-Tegel had previously reported a Legionella outbreak in January. Three other residents were hospitalised in relation to the outbreak, but were later discharged.
“Death from pneumonia caused by Legionella is a notifiable disease, therefore there is no need for an investigation by the health department. The connection is evident and certain in such cases,” said Patrick Larscheid, Reinickendorf public health department head. Berlinovo maintains that the death of two of their residents and the link to Legionella is still “the subject of ongoing investigations.”
Legionella are bacteria which can be transmitted to humans if they enter the air via finely atomised water. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the pathogens are most commonly transmitted through humidifiers or via taps. Legionella bacteria can cause flu-like symptoms, which can be mild or severe and are therefore particularly dangerous for older people or people with weakened immune systems.
According to Berlinovo, the public health department has inspected the site and taken water samples. A Berlinovo spokesperson said the samples from the pipes will then be analysed in the coming days. The public health department will then inform the housing company. If the water samples are free of Legionella, the all-clear can be given. The outbreak is seemingly a contained incident in the apartment block and is unlikely to be a widespread issue.