Italy has issued a travel warning to holidaymakers and tourists about an outbreak of a lethal disease that has claimed four lives. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control or ECDC, dozens have been hospitalized in Corsico and Buccinasco in Lombardy region due to the spread of Legionnaires’ Disease.

Health authorities say there have been 53 confirmed infections and four deaths so far, and officials are engaged in efforts to stop the further spread of the disease – that spreads through air conditioning. Authorities have warned that people in the area could be at risk, particularly as the source is still unknown.

According to the ECDC, cases of those infected range in age from 26 to 94 years, noting that all four of the deceased were over 70 years old and had additional health complications. At present, at least 12 patients are under hospital care, while 37 who were admitted have now been discharged.

Authorities have begun conducting a thorough investigation to identify the outbreak's source, with the ECDC stating: "Epidemiological, microbiological, and environmental investigations continue. Water samples have been collected from several sampling sites of the municipal water supply system, both from the private residence water systems of patients/control cases and from cooling towers."

"The collection of respiratory samples from patients and typing of isolated Legionella strains is ongoing to assist the determination of the outbreak source. Public health activities continue to be implemented to prevent transmission and emergence of new cases, including a chemical disinfection with chlorine of the municipal water supply system and private residences."

According to experts, legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia or lung infection that you may get from breathing in Legionella bacteria. It can affect your lungs, brain, and gut and causes Pontiac fever - a less serious illness with flu-like symptoms. Legionnaires’ disease can be life-threatening.

Doctors say that Legionnaires' disease is usually caused by water vapour laden with Legionella bacteria – mostly through air conditioners and significantly threatens those over 50 years of age or immunocompromised individuals.

According to experts, there are over 60 species of Legionella bacteria that infect your lungs. Legionella is found naturally in lakes, streams, and soil, but can also contaminate drinking water and air systems, especially in large buildings. You can breathe small droplets of water directly into your lungs, or water in your mouth can get into your lungs accidentally - for instance, if it goes “down the wrong pipe”.

A few signs and symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease – which has pneumonia-like symptoms that start two to 14 days after exposure to Legionella, include:

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