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. 2022 Apr;28(4):841-843.
doi: 10.3201/eid2804.210814.

Vehicle Windshield Wiper Fluid as Potential Source of Sporadic Legionnaires' Disease in Commercial Truck Drivers

Julieta Politi, Andreu Queralt, Natalia Valero, Maria T Martín-Gómez, Raquel González Durán, Elena Parra, Sara Sabaté Camps, Ingrid Avellanés, Anna Hernández-Pineda, Eva Masdeu, Cristina Rius, Dolores Álamo-Junquera

Vehicle Windshield Wiper Fluid as Potential Source of Sporadic Legionnaires' Disease in Commercial Truck Drivers

Julieta Politi et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2022 Apr.

Abstract

Sporadic Legionnaires' disease is frequently detected in commercial truck drivers. We report 2 sporadic cases of this disease in Barcelona, Spain, that occurred during December 2019 and September 2020. Laboratory findings were consistent with windshield wiper fluid without added screen wash as a possible source of infection for both cases.

Keywords: Barcelona; Legionella; Legionnaires’ disease; Spain; bacteria; commercial truck drivers; environmental exposure; occupational health; surveillance; vehicle; windshield wiper fluid.

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