October 30, 2021 zacherlaw 0 Comments

High Levels of Legionella Found Aboard Washington State Ferries Fleet

Several ferries operated by Washington State Ferries (WSF) have tested positive for high levels of Legionella bacteria. WSF discovered the bacteria after conducting water tests in the galleys and water fountains. Due to shutdowns stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, water aboard the ships remained stagnant for over a year. Water stagnation may lead to bacteria growth, including Legionella. WSF’s discovery highlights the importance of businesses being proactive in their efforts to protect the public from Legionnaires’ disease. WSF, as well as other business, can flush out the affected water systems and treat them with disinfectants that will kill the Legionella bacteria and protect passengers…

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October 29, 2021 zacherlaw 0 Comments

Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in Washington County, Oregon

Public health officials in Washington County, Oregon, are investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases that has left four people hospitalized. In total, there are six confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the county. Washington County has seen fourteen cases so far this year, and public health officials are speculating that the county may exceed its record number of nineteen cases in 2019. The Washington County Public Health Department, along with the Oregon Health Authority and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are collecting samples and performing testing of potential sources of the outbreak.  Public health officials are encouraging residents…

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October 22, 2021 zacherlaw 0 Comments

The Nassau Health Department Is Investigating a Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak

The Health Department in Nassau County, New York, is investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease in a one-mile radius of Wantagh Avenue and Old Jerusalem Road. Ten cases were confirmed within the past month and one person has died. The Nassau Health Department is collecting water samples from fountains, faucets, showers, and other structures in the area to determine the source of the outbreak. New York State has recorded 493 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in 2021. Nassau County previously experienced an outbreak about five years ago from a swimming pool at a gym facility. To read more about the outbreak…

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October 8, 2021 zacherlaw 0 Comments

Melbourne man dies after being exposed to Legionnaires’ disease from potting soil

A 79-year-old grandfather died after contracting Legionnaires’ disease in September 2021. He was exposed to legionella bacteria while opening a bag of potting soil to help his wife repot tomato plants. He began experiencing symptoms a week later and was admitted to the hospital, where his condition rapidly deteriorated. He was placed into a medically induced coma and passed away shortly thereafter. The ingredients and dampness of potting soil increase the risk of exposure to legionella bacteria. To read more about the link between gardening and Legionnaires’ disease, as well as tips on how to protect yourself, see our previous…

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