SPAIN (ZARAGOZA) - - 7 patients infected with legionellosis in Zaragoza have been hospitalized

in community health centers, and 3 are in serious condition. Meanwhile, the Public Health Department detected the bacterium in 2 refrigeration towers of the Hospital Clinico de Zaragoza, and it is currently assessing 12 nearby towers.

The 7 patients in whom Legionnaires' disease had been confirmed are all connected to the Lozano-Blesa University Clinic Hospital. The Aragon Public Health General Manager, Luis Gomez, stated that of the latest 4 cases, 3 are health care workers.

The 1st case was detected on 10 Jun 2004, and 2 other cases by 15 Jun, when the presence of the bacterium was confirmed in pools below 2 of the hospital's 6 refrigeration towers that "had not been in contact at any time with the Center air conditioning system", explained Dr. Gomez.

Since 15 Jun 2004, the other cases was confirmed, all related to the Hospital Clinico, and it is thought that the 2 refrigeration towers are the possible source of infection, stated Dr. Gomez.

The Aragon Government Public Health General Management has performed an Epidemiological Survey for all cases, and it has started surveillance for new or suspected cases. "In the next 10 days new cases may appear", since the incubation period is from 2 to 10 days, explained Dr. Gomez, who stated that an alert network has been set up in the Emergency Service in order to detect any patients admitted because of a pulmonary infection characterized by pneumonia with high fever (or Legionnaire's disease).

In addition to evaluating all refrigeration towers at the Hospital Clinico and cleaning the affected ones, as well as those from Miguel Servet Hospital, the investigation has been expanded to other 12 facilities in a 0.5-kilometer radius, including 1 facility within the University Campus.

The outbreak "has to do with the current situation, and it is not related to prior outbreaks", said Dr. Gomez, who affirmed that the situation is under control and that the Zaragoza City Council, the City Quarters Association Group, as well as consumers, have been informed.
 

For additional information, contact:
Pure Air Control Services
800-422-7873, ext. 802