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[Legionella outbreak in Amsterdam: a cooling tower as the source]

J A R van den Hoek1, E P F IJzerman, R A Coutinho

  • 1GGD Amsterdam, afd. Infectieziekten, Postbus 2200, 1000 CE Amsterdam. avdhoek@ggd.amsterdam.nl

Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|September 14, 2006
PubMed

Insights

An outbreak of Legionella infection in Amsterdam identified 30 cases, including 2 fatalities. The source was traced to a cooling tower in the city center, highlighting the importance of environmental monitoring for public health.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Infectious disease epidemiology
  • Public health surveillance

Context:

  • A cluster of Legionella infections occurred in Amsterdam between July 6-28, 2006.
  • Thirty confirmed cases, including two fatalities, were identified, with Legionella pneumophila serogroup I confirmed via urinary antigen testing.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the source and control an outbreak of Legionella infection in Amsterdam.
  • To identify environmental factors contributing to the spread of Legionnaires' disease.

Summary:

  • The investigation involved epidemiological analysis, including patient location data and prevailing wind patterns.
  • Environmental sampling and investigation led to the identification of a cooling tower in the city center as the source of the outbreak.
  • The cooling tower was closed on July 11th, and subsequently confirmed as the origin of the Legionella outbreak.

Impact:

  • Demonstrates the critical role of prompt epidemiological investigation and environmental source identification in controlling Legionella outbreaks.
  • Underscores the public health risk associated with contaminated cooling towers and the need for effective environmental surveillance and management strategies.
  • Provides a case study for understanding the transmission dynamics of Legionnaires' disease in urban settings.

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