Legionnaires’ disease outbreak Archives

August 21, 2021 zacherlaw 0 Comments

New Jersey Department of Health Is Investigating A Possible Legionnaires Disease Outbreak

The New Jersey Department of Health is investigating a potential outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Essex County, NJ. Between July 16 and July 26, eight suspected cases were reported to the Department of Health. All of the infected individuals either reside in Essex County or have recently visited Essex County. [1] The New Jersey Health Commissioner, Judy Persichilli, urges any individual that resides in or has visited Essex County in the past two weeks to visit their doctor if they begin experiencing symptoms. Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, chills, shortness of breath, loss of appetite and coughing.…

July 14, 2021 zacherlaw 0 Comments

An Outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease in Minnesota Linked to an Alberta Lee Hotel

An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at an Alberta Lee hotel has hospitalized two people. Investigators from the Minnesota Health Department have confirmed that early evidence suggests the outbreak originated at the hotel spa. Both infected individuals spent time in the hot tub located in the spa before becoming sick. It is believed that more people are experiencing symptoms consistent with Legionnaire’s disease. The health department is urging anyone who visited the hotel between June 22 and June 29 to watch for symptoms. The urge any individual that is experiencing any symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, chills, shortness…

April 26, 2021 zacherlaw 0 Comments

Possible Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Macon, Missouri

Two individuals have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease after using the hot tub and pool at a Comfort Inn & Suites in Macon, Missouri. The Missouri Department of Health and Human Services tested the water at the hotel and found the presence of the Legionella bacteria in the hot tub. Legionnaires’ disease is contracted when individuals breathe in particles contaminated with the Legionella bacteria. Sources of exposure at hotels are commonly the pool and hot tub area, as well as showers and faucets. The first symptoms to appear are usually flu-like (fever, tiredness, muscle aches, and headache). Signs of a serious Legionella lung infection include cough and…

April 12, 2021 zacherlaw 0 Comments

Legionnaires Disease Outbreak in an Indianapolis Healthplex

The Indianapolis Healthplex has been closed following an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease. The local gym has been closed since Sunday after several members were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. [1] Legionnaires’ disease is contracted when individuals breathe in particles contaminated with the Legionella bacteria. Sources of exposure at gym or health center are many, as legionella bacteria can grow and become aerosolized through a number of different sources where water is being heated. Potable water systems, including faucets, showers, and saunas, can be sources where Legionella bacteria can grow. The first symptoms to appear are usually flu-like (fever, tiredness, muscle aches,…

March 15, 2021 zacherlaw 0 Comments

Union County Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak, Could it be Cooling Towers?

There is currently an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Union County, New Jersey. The source of infection has not yet been identified. However, based on past cases that we have worked on we believe it is possible that the source of this outbreak could be cooling towers. In July and August 2015, there was an outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease in the Bronx that claimed 12 lives and infected at least 128 people. The outbreak caused widespread concern and weeks of uncertainty among residents. Thanks to the hard work of epidemiologists and investigators, the source of the outbreak was identified: a…

March 6, 2021 zacherlaw 0 Comments

Legionnaires Disease Outbreak in Union County, New Jersey

There is an ongoing outbreak of Legionnaires disease unfolding in Union County, New Jersey. Fourteen individuals have been confirmed to have Legionnaires disease and one person has died as a result of the disease. These cases were all reported between February 3rd through February 26th. The New Jersey Department of Health alongside local health officials are currently investigating this outbreak. They have identified some potential sources of the Legionella bacteria and have begun the process of removing it. They have warned any resident or visitor of Union County that is experiencing symptoms consistent with Legionnaires disease to seek medical attention. [1] If you have…

February 17, 2021 zacherlaw 0 Comments

Legionnaires Disease Outbreak in Australia Prompts Concern Among Health Officials

Seventeen cases of Legionnaires disease have been identified in January in a recent outbreak in Sydney and the Illawarra region of Australia. The Health Director in New South Wales issued a statement where he expressed that while there tends to be a slight uptick in cases around the end of summer, a spike of this size is cause for concern. [1] This outbreak has prompted health officials to issue a warning that air conditioning towers, referred to as cooling towers in the United States, need to be properly maintained. Regulations were introduced in these regions in 2012 that require business…

January 11, 2021 zacherlaw 0 Comments

Legionnaires Disease Outbreak in Portland Apartment Complex Continues to Grow

On Tuesday, those who live at the Rosemont Court Apartments in Portland were told they needed to evacuate the building. Furthermore since then, nearly 100 residents of the building have been temporarily moved into motels until the building’s water system and plumbing can be properly cleaned and determined to be safe. As a result, another four people are presumed to have Legionnaires disease based on new symptoms, the county health department said. The first symptoms to appear are usually flu-like (fever, tiredness, muscle aches, and headache). Signs of a serious Legionella lung infection include cough and chest pain. As of Thursday, Multnomah…

January 7, 2021 zacherlaw 0 Comments

Outbreak of Legionnaires Disease in A Portland Apartment Complex

The health department confirmed that experts have linked the outbreak to the apartments water system. People can contract Legionnaires disease when they breathe in very small droplets of water contaminated with the Legionella bacteria. Multnomah County Health Officer Jennifer Vines spoke to the press about this incident. She informed them that the plumbing has since been shut off in the building due to the outbreak. Vines also said the health department is working to find out whether water supplied to other nearby properties is also affected. As a result, the county is working to clean the building’s plumbing system and remove any remaining…

November 23, 2020 zacherlaw 0 Comments

Possible Legionella Outbreak in Wisconsin

There has been a suspected legionella outbreak in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Two individuals who stayed at the Round Barn Lodge have confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease. While there has not yet been testing to confirm the lodge as their source of exposure, both individuals began feeling symptoms 10-14 days after their stay which falls within the typical incubation period for Legionnaires’ disease. The lodge has since hired an independent laboratory partner to test the water and resolve any problems with the water that may be found. The lodge has voluntarily closed and notified past guests with information provided by the…