31 August,2023 08:14 AM IST | Warsaw | Agencies
Legionella pneumophila bacteria. Pic/AP
The death toll from Legionnaires' disease in Poland has risen to 16 with another 140 people infected in the southeastern region close to the border with Ukraine, health authorities said Wednesday.
The region of Rzeszow, some 80 km from the border, is a key transit hub for international military support for Ukraine following Russia's full-scale invasion last year. Some 10,000 US troops are stationed in the area.
Fatalities from the disease were among elderly people who also suffered from other health issues like cancer, authorities said.
Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of Legionnaires' germs in the city's water pipeline system. Authorities are looking for the source of the infections, the numbers of which were unprecedented in the region. The Internal Security Agency is also checking for any malicious actions.
ALSO READ
Blinken heads to last G7 meeting of Biden presidency with Ukraine, Mideast topping agenda
Missiles supplied to North Korea in return for troops
NATO, Ukraine to hold emergency talks after Russia's attack with new hypersonic missile
Switzerland bars exports to Polish firm after Swiss-made ammunition ends up in Ukraine
Ukraine's parliament cancels session after Russia fired new missile
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever