top of page

Legionellosis Outbreak in Poland Raises Concerns: A Comparative Analysis with the UK

The recent outbreak of legionellosis in Poland has attracted significant attention, with 166 reported cases, including 23 fatalities, as of 11th September 2023. As a legionella consulting company based in the UK, I have been closely monitoring this situation due to my professional interest in legionella management.

Legionellosis Outbreak in Poland
credit: https://www.who.int

Additionally, I have a personal connection to Poland, as I am originally from Poland, and my father was from Rzeszów. This blog aims to shed light on the outbreak, compare it with the UK's legionella guidelines, and explore potential reasons behind the alarming rise in cases.


Poland's recent surge in legionellosis cases is unusual, exceeding the annual reported cases since 2016. Preliminary findings suggest the first cases emerged in late July, primarily affecting individuals between 60 and 90 years old. Notably, there has been no reported human-to-human transmission, highlighting the role of environmental sources.


It's important to highlight that Legionella testing in Poland is primarily conducted on hospitalized cases. This testing limitation gives rise to concerns that the actual number of legionellosis cases may be considerably higher. Drawing from my cultural understanding as a Pole, I'm aware that many Polish individuals have a tendency to self-diagnose and self-prescribe medications, adding another layer of concern. Consequently, some individuals may delay seeking medical attention until their symptoms reach a critical stage. This delay could result in mild or moderate cases of legionellosis going unreported, thereby contributing to an underestimate of the true extent of the outbreak.

Legionellosis Outbreak in Poland
https://www.who.int

Despite this challenge, over 370 facility inspections have been conducted, with ongoing investigations into water samples. However, the source of the outbreak remains elusive, underscoring the complexity of managing such incidents. Efforts to identify and contain the source are crucial to prevent further cases and ensure the safety of the population.


A Brief Overview: Legionellosis is caused by Legionella bacteria and encompasses a mild form called Pontiac feve