People walk down 3 Maja, a shop-lined street in Rzeszow, Poland, in February 2022. None of the roughly 1,500 American service members and civilians supporting U.S. operations in southeastern Poland have been affected by an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease, according to the U.S. military. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
None of the roughly 1,500 American service members and civilians in southeastern Poland have been affected by a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak that has claimed at least 18 lives, American and Polish officials said.
The American military presence concentrated in Rzeszow remains untouched by the spread of the severe form of pneumonia, Col. Martin O’Donnell, a spokesman for U.S. Army Europe and Africa, said Friday in response to a Stars and Stripes query.
Exercises and operations haven’t been impacted either, O’Donnell said.
The city’s airport, about 50 miles from the border with Ukraine, has become a key transit hub for military and humanitarian aid to the war-torn country following Russia’s full-scale invasion last year.
Legionnaires’ disease is a bacterial lung infection that is fatal in about 10% of cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People often contract it when they breathe in small water droplets containing the bacteria. Drinking water containing the bacteria isn’t normally considered dangerous when it enters the digestive system. However, if the water accidently gets into the lungs it can result in sickness, according to the CDC.
On Friday, the Polish government said at least 18 people had died from the disease since the outbreak began last month, adding that all the deaths were among people over 50 with previous health conditions.
Some 160 people have been hospitalized as a result of the outbreak, according to government data, which show most cases have been in Rzeszow.
Investigators have been trying to determine the source of the outbreak. The Polish Health Ministry said Monday that it most likely can be traced to the municipal water network.
An inquiry by the country’s Internal Security Agency is focused on determining whether any foul play, including Russian involvement, can be ruled out Polskie Radio reported last week.
The United States is not assisting with any investigation into the outbreak, O’Donnell said.
The American Consulate in Krakow has advised U.S. citizens in Rzeszow and surrounding areas to follow guidance issued by local authorities.
Most of the U.S. service members and civilian employees in the area support the Army, O’Donnell said, adding that roughly 10,000 U.S. troops are deployed throughout Poland.
