Death toll from Legionnaires’ disease in Poland up to 16

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.

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