Youth Hostel in Greece; 7 Pneumonia Cases, 1 LD Death; June 2002

Late June, health officials in Greece linked the death of a 22-year-old man to Legionnaires' disease. The authorities were alerted to the outbreak after seven children from a youth hostel contracted pneumonia and experienced other Legionnaires' symptoms. Health officials found Legionella in the water supply. Two of the water tanks were found to be rusty and unclean and were promptly replaced. The children were treated and sent home. The last published report indicated that officials were awaiting blood sample test results to determine if there is a definite connection between the illnesses and the hostel. Source: Hellenic Resources Network, 6 July 2002.