WARSAW, Poland (AP) — The demise toll from Legionnaires’ illness in Poland has risen to 16 with one other 140 folks contaminated within the southeastern area near the border with Ukraine, well being authorities stated Wednesday.

The area of Rzeszow, some 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the border, is a key transit hub for worldwide army assist for Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion final 12 months. Some 10,000 U.S. troops are stationed within the space.

Fatalities from the illness had been amongst aged individuals who additionally suffered from different well being points like most cancers, authorities stated.

Laboratory exams have confirmed the presence of Legionnaires’ illness germs within the metropolis’s water pipeline system. Authorities are nonetheless on the lookout for the supply of the infections, the numbers of which had been unprecedented within the area. The Internal Security Agency was additionally checking for any indicators of malicious motion.

Experts say it may come from hardly ever used plumbing, the place the germs may have unfold in excessive temperatures in the course of the latest warmth wave.

Chlorine was utilized to Rzeszow’s water system over the weekend for disinfection.

Legionnaires’ illness is a lung an infection that comes from inhaling contaminated water spray. It’s not unfold by consuming water.

It is normally caught in locations like lodges, hospitals or places of work the place the micro organism have gotten into the water provide, for instance in air-con programs or faucets and showers that aren't in frequent use. The germs multiply in temperatures of between 20 and 50 levels Celsius (68-122 levels Fahrenheit). The illness is handled with antibiotics.

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