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On Friday 11 July 2025, Luxembourg's Ministry of Health and Social Security and the Hôpital Intercommunal de Steinfort (HIS) announced the recent detection of several cases of Legionnaires' disease in Steinfort.
The Ministry of Health and Social Security was informed on the evening of Thursday 10 July 2025 that an unusual number of cases of Legionnaires' disease had been detected in Steinfort.
The Health Directorate's Health Inspectorate recently received reports of seven cases of pneumonia caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacterium. Among those affected were six residents of the municipality of Steinfort or people who have stayed there, including three individuals linked to the HIS. The patients are being treated in several hospitals and the Health Inspectorate is currently conducting epidemiological investigations into the cases.
Legionellosis is a respiratory infection caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacterium, which is naturally present in water. It most often manifests as pneumonia and can be serious, particularly in elderly or immunocompromised individuals. The bacteria are transmitted by inhaling water aerosols containing significant amounts of Legionella (e.g. during use of showers, jacuzzis or cooling towers), but are not transmitted from person to person or by drinking tap water.
The HIS immediately contacted the Health Inspectorate and precautionary measures have been implemented. An epidemiological investigation to determine the source of contamination is underway in close collaboration between the ministry, the hospital and the municipality of Steinfort. Water samples were taken from the hospital facilities and the municipality's water distribution network, with additional samples to be taken in the coming days.
The authorities noted that the exceptional heatwave in June 2025 may have contributed to this "highly unusual" situation by causing an abnormal rise in cold water temperatures, allowing the bacteria to proliferate.
The HIS has reinforced its standard Legionella prevention measures, inspected all its water systems and provided medical support to all residents and visitors.
The risks to the general population, and particularly to residents of Steinfort, are currently considered very low.
Vulnerable individuals (over the age of 65 or immunocompromised) who experience symptoms suggestive of pneumonia, such as fever, cough, chest pain or general deterioration, are encouraged to contact their general practitioner immediately.
For any questions, the Health Inspectorate can be contacted via tel.: 247-55554.
The Ministry of Health and Social Security said it continues to work closely with the HIS, the municipality of Steinfort and the Health Inspectorate to monitor the situation and protect public health.
