The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‘s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report provided data that in 2015, 6,079 cases of Legionnaires’ disease occurred nationwide. Of those cases, 2,809 occurred in 20 states and New York City, and among that figure, 468 cases were possibly associated with health care facilities, while 85 of those definitely were. Of the 85 cases confirmed to be associated with health care facilities, 68 of them- or 80%- were associated with long-term care facilities, and and 15- or 18%- were associated with hospitals. Legionnaires’ disease is a type of bacterial pneumonia caused by exposure to Legionella bacteria. The bacteria grows in water systems and pipes, and can even develop in cooling towers, spas, or fountains. This analysis brings attention to the need for health care facilities to take extra precautions when it comes to the risk of Legionella bacteria development. The vulnerability of the residents and patients at long-term care facilities and hospitals is a large factor in the high number of cases of Legionnaires’ disease. Elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions are more susceptible to developing the disease after being exposed to the bacteria. If you believe you or someone you know has been diagnosed with this disease, Contact us to see what we can do to help. Jules Zacher is an attorney in Philadelphia who has tried Legionnaires’ disease cases across the U.S. Please visit LegionnaireLawyer.com again for updates.
Study shows 80% of Legionnaires’ disease cases associated with long-term care facilities, 18% with hospitals was last modified: July 10th, 2017 by