This summer, a case of Legionnaires’ disease—a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria—was confirmed at the Clinical Centre of Montenegro (KCCG). The patient was admitted in serious condition with confirmed community-acquired pneumonia. According to KCCG and the Institute of Public Health (IJZ), there are currently no other suspected or confirmed cases.
Over the past ten years, Montenegro has reported a total of seven cases: two each in 2019 and 2024, and one each in 2021, 2022, and 2025. No outbreaks have been recorded.
Legionella bacteria are naturally found in water, and infection occurs through inhaling contaminated aerosols—commonly from taps, showers, hot tubs, fountains, or cooling systems. Those most at risk include the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, smokers, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Aside from Legionnaires’ disease, infection can also cause Pontiac fever, a milder, flu-like illness that resolves on its own in a few days.
Experts recommend minimising risk through regular maintenance of plumbing, water heaters, and air conditioning systems, especially in places like hotels, hospitals, and pool facilities. For households, it’s advised to flush taps and showers after long periods of disuse, maintain high water temperatures in heaters, and clean showerheads and filters regularly.
