Drackett Tower at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio is now taking precautions after a student associated with the dorm hall was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. Legionnaires’ disease is a type of bacterial pneumonia caused by exposure to Legionella bacteria. This bacteria tends to thrive in water environments, and can cause illness when it is inhaled in the lungs through a mist or spray form of the contaminated water. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease can include nausea, vomiting, coughing, confusion, and lethargy. Reportedly, the dorm had a water drain line collapse last month which required the line to be shut…
A patient of St. Patrick Hospital recently tested positive for Legionella bacteria. Subsequent tests of the water supply at the hospital revealed its water was contaminated with the bacteria. The hospital’s remediation plans include installing medical-grade water filters on the faucets and shower heads. Not everyone who is exposed to Legionella bacteria is at risk for becoming ill. Most susceptible individuals tend to be of advanced age and/or have underlying medical conditions. The hospital is also providing patients with bottled water and keeping them up to date on remediation developments. If you believe you or someone you know has been…
The retirement community in downtown Orlando has once again tested positive for Legionella bacteria, despite recent remediation efforts. The water within the community tested positive for Legionella last month, and was subsequently flushed with chlorine. A spokesperson for the community stated that they did not perform a second chlorine flush of the system’s water because the bacteria levels were below the required levels to do so. Is it reported that the community is now working alongside a water consultant with expertise in Legionella bacteria. Exposure to Legionella bacteria can cause illnesses such as Legionnaires’ disease. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease may…
According to new information published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) stainless steel fixtures contain a protective coating that can degrade over time; this degradation encourages the growth of Legionella. It is well known in among those who study Legionnaires’ disease that water containing rust particles is an environment where Legionella can better thrive. Similarly, a stainless steel sink without the protective coating creates an environment conducive to Legionella growth. The ECDC has released a list of more suitable materials for kitchen sink manufactures that are less likely to expose individuals to a higher risk of…
James Square nursing home in Syracuse, NY, has implemented additional water restrictions after testing revealed the second building on the property was also positive for Legionella bacteria. The investigation began after two residents reportedly became ill with Legionnaires’ disease, with the first diagnosis in March of 2017, and the second on July 24, 2017. The facility consists of two buildings connected to one another by a pedestrian bridge. The first round of testing revealed Legionella bacteria in one building, while the most recent testing on August 8, 2017, also revealed Legionella bacteria in the second building. The nursing home has since…
According to Health officials in the state of Michigan cases of legionnaires’ disease have increase 143% over a three year period. In June and July alone, there have been 73 confirmed cases on legionnella pneumonia, also know as Legionnaires’ disease. Officials stated that they are conducting investigation to attempt to determine the cause of this increase. At this point, there has been no common source between all of these cases. Flint, MI is one of the places where legionella has been found in dangerous concentration, on top of the lead that was discovered in the water causing national attention to…
The New York State Department of Health is currently investigating James Square as a possible source of Legionella bacteria after two cases of Legionellosis are believed to be associated with the nursing home. The nursing home’s potable water system recently tested positive for Legionella bacteria. A water restriction is now in place until additional tests are taken and remediation is performed on the facility’s water system. James Square facility was recently raided by the state Attorney General’s office after claims of poor resident care. If you believe you or someone you know has been diagnosed with this disease, Contact us to see…
Residents living at the Latimer Gardens, a Flushing NYCHA Complex were warned that Legionella, the bacteria causing Legionnaires’ disease may be on the property. This notice from the New York Health Department comes after two residents, including one who remains hospitalized, contracted the disease over a 12-month period, according to officials. The notifications to residents indicated that testing was being done on the water distribution system that supplies residents with their bathing and drinking water. While you normally cannot contract legionnaires’ disease from drinking contaminated water, showering with contaminated water often leads the water to aerolize. The fine mist containing…
Franklin County Public health officials said both residents of the Manor at Whitehall nursing home tested positive for Legionella bacteria during July of 2017. Another test will be administered to confirm whether the residents specifically had Legionnaires’ disease, the bacterial pneumonia caused by exposure to Legionella bacteria. Both residents were reported to be in their 60’s, and were hospitalized for their injuries. An inspection of the facility’s plumbing, heating and cooling systems, as well as pipes and water systems was conducted to determine if the bacteria that caused the two residents to become ill came from within the nursing home. As…
In Kennewick, Washington, three club members of Gold’s Gym contracted legionnaires’ disease with just a few days of one another. Benton-Franklin Health District was able to identify the gym as the common link among the three victims who were infected. After conducting testing on the property, Health officials were able to determine that hot tub located on the premises contained legionella bacteria. Hot tubs are a perfect breeding ground for legionella bacteria due to the fact that hot tubs are a heated closed water system. Further, the jets of a hot tub cause bubbles in the water which allows…