The U.S. Consulate General in Krakow, Poland, is following reports of several cases of illness caused by Legionella pneumophila bacteria, also known as legionellosis or “Legionnaire’s Disease,” in the Rzeszow area. The majority of people who have become ill are the elderly and those suffering from chronic illness or immune suppression.
Public health authorities are conducting an urgent epidemiological investigation into the source of the outbreak. Immediate control measures include temporary shutdown of fountains, public water sprays, and other water sources. Authorities are working closely with building managers and local institutions to put prevention and control measures in place. A full disinfection of the municipal water supply in Rzeszow and surrounding areas is scheduled for August 27 from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Legionellosis, or Legionnaires’ disease, is a serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by Legionella bacteria. People can get sick when they breathe in small droplets of water or accidently swallow water containing Legionella into the lungs. Legionella is not transmitted by food and is not dangerous when it enters the digestive system, such as through drinking water. Legionella bacteria is not spread from person to person except in very rare cases. More information is available at https://www.gov.pl/web/wsse-rzeszow.
U.S. citizens residing in Rzeszow or surrounding areas are encouraged to follow any guidance issued by local authorities. Additional information about legionella can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/index.html.
Information:
- All U.S. citizens should enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and ensure you can be located in an emergency.
- Refer to our website for the latest Alerts and Messages for U.S. citizens: https://pl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/security-and-travel-information/
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy, Warsaw, Poland
Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, Piękna 12
00-539, Warsaw
+48 22 504 2784 (business hours)
+48 22 504 2000 (after-hours emergencies involving U.S. citizens)
ACSWarsaw@state.gov
https://pl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
U.S. Consulate General, Krakow, Poland
ul. Stolarska 9
31-043 Krakow, Poland
+48 12 424 5100 (business hours)
+48 22 504 2000 (after-hours emergencies involving U.S. Citizens)
KrakowACS@state.gov
https://pl.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulate/krakow/
https://pl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
U.S. Consular Agency, Poznan, Poland
Ul. Paderewskiego 8 room 06, 61-770 Poznan
Tel: +48 61 851 8516
ConsularAgencyPoznan@state.gov
https://pl.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulate/consular-agency-poznan/
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Poland Country Information
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
