Second Legionella death in Amsterdam 03/08/2006 00:00

3 August 2006

AMSTERDAM — The Legionella outbreak in Amsterdam in July has claimed a second life.

The city's health service announced on Thursday that the latest victim was an aged person.

A total of 30 people became ill between 27 June and 21 July after being infected by the bacteria that can cause Legionnaire's Disease. One of the patients died in early July. That person was also advanced in years.

Health inspectors traced the source of the infection to cooling towers at the CS Post Building near Central Station.

Meanwhile, the tenants of 78 homes in Utrecht's Rivieren district are being refunded two months of rent in compensation following the discovery of Legionella spores in their water supply.

The bacteria developed because the city's central heating system under their homes also heated their drinking water above the legal limit of 25 degrees.

A spokesperson for housing cooperative Bo-Ex confirmed it will also pay for material damage caused by the heating up of the tap water pipes. Bo-Ex said it is not legally liable but it wants to compensate the residents as they are unlikely to see money from their insurance companies. 

[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2006]

Subject: Dutch news