Berlin-Tegel, July 24 – An outbreak of Legionella bacteria has been confirmed in a senior apartment complex in Berlin-Tegel, according to Berlinovo GmbH, the state-owned company that operates the building. The confirmation came on Wednesday, following an initial report by the “B.Z.” newspaper.
Five Hospitalized, Two Fatalities Reported
Berlinovo reported that five residents were hospitalized due to the outbreak. Tragically, two of these residents have since passed away, while three others have been discharged from the hospital. Investigations are now underway to determine if the hospitalizations and deaths are directly linked to the Legionella infection.
Uncertainty Surrounds Cause of Death
A Berlinovo spokesperson, responding to an inquiry from the German Press Agency (DPA), stated that one of the deceased residents had been hospitalized after a fall, where a Legionella infection was subsequently diagnosed. However, the exact cause of death for this individual remains unclear.
In contrast, Dr. Patrick Larscheid, head of the responsible Reinickendorf Health Department, told rbb on Thursday that his office presumes the two deaths are indeed a result of the Legionella outbreak.
Health Department Raises Concerns from January
A Berlinovo spokesperson indicated that water samples would be taken and analyzed by the health department on Thursday, and if found free of Legionella, residents could be given the all-clear. However, Dr. Larscheid countered this, stating that the health department was unaware of any sample collection scheduled for Thursday. He emphasized the need for a thorough examination of the entire drinking water system to identify the source of the contamination.
Dr. Larscheid also revealed that his department had identified irregularities in the affected residential complex as early as January, following a reported illness. This raises questions about the timeliness of the response to the potential health risk.
Finance Senator Demands Full Clarification
Stefan Evers (CDU), Berlin’s Finance Senator and Chairman of the Berlinovo Supervisory Board, expressed profound dismay over the incident on Wednesday. “The news of several illnesses and at least one death in connection with a Legionella infestation in a Berlinovo senior residence has deeply shocked me,” he stated. “Swift action was taken, preventing a larger infection risk. I now expect the management to clarify and thoroughly address the incident as quickly as possible.”
Understanding Legionella: Transmission and Risk Factors
Legionella are bacteria that can be transmitted to humans through fine aerosolized water particles inhaled into the lungs. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), common sources of transmission include showers, humidifiers, and water taps. These bacteria can cause flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, lead to life-threatening pneumonia.
Individuals with weakened immune systems, pre-existing conditions such as heart and lung diseases, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to Legionella infections. This makes the outbreak in a senior residence especially concerning.
The rbb24 Abendschau broadcast a report on the Legionella pneumonia from tap water on July 23, 2026, at 7:30 PM.
