bacteria Archives

May 31, 2022 zacherlaw 0 Comments

Sixth Confirmed Case of Legionnaires’ Disease in Southwest Sydney

Following the diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease in four local men in Southwest Sydney, a fifth and sixth case have been identified. So far, two women and four men between the ages of 40 and 70 have been diagnosed. They all visited locations between Elizabeth St, Clarence St, Park St, and Martin Place in the 10 days before experiencing symptoms. Thus far, all six cases have been treated in a hospital and one person has been discharged. The New South Wales Ministry of Health is continuing to advise people who have been in the Sydney CBD area in the past…

May 29, 2022 zacherlaw 0 Comments

Department of Health Links Fifth Case of Legionnaires’ Disease to Waikiki Hotel

Following three confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease from guests staying at the Hilton Grand Vacations in Waikiki in June 2021 and March 2022 and an additional fourth confirmed case in April 2022, the Hawai’i Department of Health has now reported a fifth confirmed case. Officials say the person visited the hotel on April 25 and was diagnosed on May 23. The investigation is ongoing. To read more about the Department of Health Links Fifth Case of Legionnaires’ disease to Waikiki Hotel, click here. To read our firm’s white paper on…

May 29, 2022 zacherlaw 0 Comments

Nineteen Confirmed Cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Bronx Highbridge Section

The New York City Department of Health has now reported 19 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease linked to an outbreak in the Bronx. The first person was diagnosed on May 3. One person has died and a further 8 people are hospitalized. The Health Department has sampled the cooling towers in the area. Four cooling towers tested positive for the presence of Legionella pneumophila, a type of bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, and were immediately ordered to disinfect. Cases of Legionnaires’ disease are on the rise in the U.S.,…

May 24, 2022 zacherlaw 0 Comments

Riverside County Public Health Investigating Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak

Following a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in Palm Springs, the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health recently announced it was opening an investigation. The outbreak includes at least 20 cases, 14 hospitalizations, and 2 deaths that occurred between last fall and early this year. “Legionella can be spread to humans if they inhale contaminated water droplets or mist, causing some vulnerable individuals to come down with Legionnaires’ disease or Pontiac fever,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. He recommended that routine environmental sampling for Legionella is also an effective way to validate the efficacy…

May 23, 2022 zacherlaw 0 Comments

NYC Health Department Investigating Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in Highbridge section

Following the diagnosis of ten confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the Highbridge section of the Bronx with the possibility of additional cases pending test results, the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene launched an investigation Saturday into the possible cluster of the airborne disease. According to city health officials the first case was confirmed on May 9, 2022. The health department is “sampling and testing water from all cooling tower systems” in the cluster area. However, they do not currently believe the outbreak is a result of plumbing systems in the buildings within the associated Zip…

May 19, 2022 zacherlaw 0 Comments

Three Confirmed Cases of Legionnaires’ Disease in Parsippany Hotel

Following the diagnosis of Legionnaires’ Disease in three guests who stayed at the Hilton/Hampton Inn Parsippany Hotel last year, the New Jersey Department of Health in coordination with the Parsippany-Troy Hills Health and Human Services Department has now opened an investigation. The guests visited the hotel, located at 1 Hilton Ct. between July 2021 and October 2021. The individuals range in age from 52 to 77 and have since recovered. After the second case was identified in February 2022, the Department in coordination with the Parsippany-Troy Hills Health and Human Services Department began an outbreak investigation that instructed…

May 17, 2022 zacherlaw 0 Comments

Four cases of Legionnaires’ Disease in Southwest Sydney

Following the diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease in four local men, South Western Sydney Local Health District has issued a reminder to Macarthur residents to ensure their cooling towers are being properly maintained. All four men are in their 60s and 70s and contracted the disease in the past five weeks, in Camden and Narellan. All four men are currently recovering. The Health District’s Public Health Unit, in collaboration with Camden Council is investigating the case. However, the specific source of the infections has yet to be identified. Director of Public Health Dr. Naru Pal said it was vital that cooling…

November 8, 2021 zacherlaw 0 Comments

Legionella Bacteria Found at Fort Sam Houston Barracks

Staff at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston (JBSA) in San Antonio, Texas, discovered Legionella bacteria during routine water testing. More than 80 residents and staff at Liberty Barracks are being relocated to other barracks and dorms across the base. There are no reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease so far. The relocated service members are from the Brooke Army Medical Center’s Soldier Recovery Unit. This unit includes the Behavioral Health Clinic. The building will be treated and retested after 72 hours. JBSA’s early discovery of the bacteria, before any reported cases, highlights the importance of routine testing for Legionella bacteria. To read more about…

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…

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…