Italy Issues Travel Alert Amid Deadly Lung Infection Outbreak. Credit: Canva
Italian authorities are advising caution to travellers following an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in the Milan area, which has tragically claimed the lives of four tourists. The outbreak, first identified in April 2024, has seen a rise in cases, prompting the Italian government to issue a travel alert, particularly for those planning trips to Milan and surrounding regions. At present, a dozen individuals are receiving hospital treatment, with 53 confirmed infections as of August 19.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by bacteria. It’s typically contracted by inhaling aerosolized water droplets containing the Legionella bacteria, often found in poorly maintained air conditioning or water systems. While treatable with antibiotics, Legionnaires’ disease can be life-threatening, especially for vulnerable individuals.
The exact source of the outbreak remains under investigation. However, Italian health officials suspect it may be linked to deficiencies in building water systems within the affected areas. To contain the spread, authorities have implemented stricter hygiene protocols and inspections across hotels and public buildings. “Water samples have been collected from several sampling sites of the municipal water supply system, both from the private residence water systems of patients/control cases and from cooling towers. Public health activities continue to be implemented to prevent transmission and emergence of new cases, including a chemical disinfection with chlorine of the municipal water supply system and of private residences,” reports quoted authorities.
If you’re in the area, keep an eye out for these signs and symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease:
High fever
Constant coughing
Breathlessness
Diarrhoea
Muscle aches
Severe headache
Nausea
Confusion
Coughing up blood
Severe abdominal pain