Since 16 August 2011, twelve cases of travel associated Legionnaires’ disease have been notified to the European Legionnaires’ disease surveillance network (ELDSNet). All cases stayed at five different accommodation sites in the touristic town of Lazise, Italy, between 7 July 2011 and 31 August (last departure). The countries reporting cases are the Netherlands (5 cases), Italy (4 cases), Austria (1 case), Germany (1 case) and Denmark (1 case). The average age of the cases is 54 years (min 42-max 78) and the gender distribution is 11 males / 1 female. Precautionary control measures such as hyperchlorination and switching off of all aerosol producing devices (spa pools, decorative fountains, sprinklers) have been taken.

Considering the size of this cluster, ECDC prepared a rapid risk assessment.