Fatal Legionnaires’ Outbreak in Germany
Two people have died and over 150 have been taken ill after an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Warstein, Germany.
The cause of what is being described as one of the worst outbreaks of the disease seen in Germany remains unconfirmed, but the suspected source is a water treatment plant in the town, where Legionella bacteria have been found in the cooling system.
In more recent developments, two water samples taken from the sewage system of the famous local Warsteiner brewery have shown the presence of Legionella bacteria. The environment ministry are now investigating whether the bacteria have reached the water supply of the brewery or if the bacteria are present only within the sewage system. Public health officials are also investigating whether the bacteria discovered in the waste water system were spread through the air, or through water source contamination.
A spokesman for the environment ministry said the beer has not been affected as it was produced in a sealed area and water is heated to almost 100’C during the brewing process.
With less than one week to go until Germany’s famous Oktoberfest, the Munich ‘festival of beer’, tourists who once flocked to the picturesque town of Warstein are now being warned to stay away because of the virulent Legionnaires’ disease outbreak.
Peter Hahn, Chief Executive of the German Brewer’s Federation, refused to issue instructions to the industry, saying that the big breweries were capable of taking necessary precautions.
The growth of bacteria in water systems is a common cause of potentially-fatal Legionnaires’ disease. Recent outbreaks of Legionella have highlighted the need for stringent water hygieneThe growth of bacteria in water systems is a common cause of potentially-fatal Legionnaires’ disease. Recent outbreaks of Legionella have highlighted the need for stringent water hygiene risk mana... More risk management. The S2 Partnership has a dedicated team of qualified and experienced water hygiene consultants providing specialist advice on how to comply with legal requirements for water safety and maintain first-rate water hygiene management. Contact our expert consultants for further advice .