Legionnaires outbreak in Basel kills one and sends 26 to hospital; Swiss cows ailing under mystery illness; and more news in our Tuesday roundup.
Legionnaires disease outbreak in Basel kills one, sends 26 others to hospital
Basel city’s health department confirmed on Monday that the victims had contracted the pneumonia-like illness, which is caused by exposure to a bacteria found in water and soil.
“The cluster suggests one or more common sources of infection,” authorities said, adding that investigations are focused on water cooling towers.
After samples were taken from 10 cooling facilities, high levels of legionella pneumophila – responsible for most human infections – were detected at two facilities on the roof of an office building.
Swiss cows are ailing too – and their illness is a mystery
A virus spread by biting midges never before seen in Switzerland is thought to be responsible for a surge in sickness in Swiss dairy cows, authorities said Monday.
Several regions have recorded a spike in illnesses since mid-July, with cows suffering from fever and diarrhoea and producing less milk, the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) said.
“Investigations by the Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI) have detected an orthobunyavirus of the Simbu group in several acutely ill animals — a virus previously unknown in Switzerland,” the FSVO said. (AFP)
Due to construction work, expect disruptions on international train routes this month
Between August 7th and 10th, and again between August 14th and 17th, all direct night trains between Zurich and Amsterdam in both directions will not make their scheduled stop in Basel.
Passengers wishing to board in Basel must first travel to Zurich and board there.
Also, from August 3rd to 16th, between six and twelve ICE connections to Germany will be partially cancelled. On the weekends of August 8th and 9th, and then again on August 15th and 16th, all ICE trains to Germany from Basel SBB station will not be running either.
A replacement bus will run to Freiburg im Breisgau once an hour. From there, passengers can take a replacement bus to Offenbach, which will add approximately one hour to the journey time.
Housing shortage in Switzerland: good and bad news
According to Wüest Partner real estate consultancy, Switzerland’s housing shortage will persist. “We assume that the number of vacant units will reach its lowest point this summer,” it said.
There are, however, positive developments ahead for anyone looking to rent.
“Starting next year, the situation could slowly improve in some regions,” the agency said.
With additional reporting from AFP.
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