Outbreak of the disease in Basel Legionella: residents criticize the late information of the authorities

A Legionella outbreak in Basel has sparked widespread concern among residents, with authorities coming under fire for delayed communication. At least one death and 26 confirmed cases have been linked to the incident, which involves a suspected cooling tower located on the roof of a Manor office building in the affected neighborhood. The Basel cantonal government announced the situation on Monday, two weeks after a noticeable rise in illnesses, prompting criticism from local residents who felt informed too late. Residents expressed frustration over the lack of direct outreach from officials. Marco Natoli, who lives opposite the Manor building, described feeling uneasy upon returning home. He noted that friends had reached out via WhatsApp to check on his well-being. “If they hold a press conference, it must be serious,” he said. He emphasized the need for more immediate measures such as informational flyers or hotlines for concerned neighbors. Natoli mentioned knowing someone who required intensive care due to the infection. The uncertainty surrounding the outbreak has left many residents unsettled. A passerby shared similar concerns, stating she felt inadequately informed despite experiencing discomfort due to the heat. She highlighted the anxiety among elderly neighbors, noting that the community feels like a small village yet lacks clear information. This uncertainty has created a sense of unease within the neighborhood. Some businesses and institutions in the area were unaware of the situation until after the official announcement. For instance, a bookstore in the Rebgasse and the Reformed Church community were caught off guard. Ilan Etscher, a hairdresser at Zeki, learned about the outbreak through a neighbor and voiced his belief that residents should have been informed sooner. “It does cause some fear,” he remarked. According to the Basel City Department of Health, the concerns raised by residents are being taken seriously. Deputy Cantonal Physician Eva Würfel acknowledged the public's worries and explained that efforts were made to reach everyone potentially at risk quickly. This included using media conferences and social media platforms to ensure broad coverage. Würfel added that several patients had since been discharged from hospitals, leaving only a few still hospitalized, with just one person on intensive care. As of Tuesday noon, no new Legionella infections had been reported. Cantonal chemist Yves Parrat stated that investigations into the residences of all 26 affected individuals were ongoing. Until definitive proof is found that no other sources exist within the city, further searches will continue. Genetic testing is also underway to compare the bacteria from the cooling tower with those isolated from infected individuals. Legionella outbreaks linked to cooling towers are relatively rare but not unheard of. Similar incidents have occurred in Germany, according to SRF science editor Christian von Burg. While the specific cooling tower in Kleinbasel has been shut down, thousands of similar units remain operational throughout Switzerland. This means the possibility of future outbreaks cannot be ruled out entirely.