VILNIUS - An emergency has been declared in Vilnius after Legionella bacteria were found in the water systems of several apartment buildings in the Lithuanian capital.

The Emergency Commission at the Vilnius local authority stated on Friday that the situation met the criteria for an emergency, Arvydas Darulis, acting director of the city's administration, told BNS.

"We have two deaths and a third incident is still under investigation. This affects over 500 people because there are three buildings and it takes more than 24 hours to eliminate (the emergency situation). Based on these criteria, an emergency situation has been declared," he said.

According to the official, the commission has activated an emergency operations centre to handle the emergency.

The National Public Health Service said that samples from two apartment blocks in the Zirmunai neighborhood, at Tuskulenu 5 and Ladygos 3, had tested positive for the bacteria that cause Legionnaires' disease and samples from an apartment block in the Lazdynai neighborhood were still being tested.

Two residents of these buildings have died of Legionnaires' disease and a third is being treated.