An outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease possibly associated with the water system at SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Altamonte Springs, Fla., has raised questions about what the hotel was doing to prevent such an event. That's because hotels, hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions with large man-made water systems are expected to guard against Legionella bacteria. So far, the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County has confirmed three cases of Legionnaire's Disease, a type of pneumonia that can be fatal 50 percent of the time if no treatment is sought. The health department said all three patients stayed or had exposure to the SpringHill Suites Hotel Altamonte Springs/Maitland located at 205 W. State Rd 436. The most recent cases occurred in April and the health … [Read more...]
Co-Op City Associated with Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in New York City
Health officials have found evidence connecting cases of Legionnaires' disease to the Co-Op City complex in the Bronx. "Although additional testing needs to be done, the association between the people with Legionnaires' disease and Co-Op city is substantial," said attorney Fred Pritzker. "Sometimes filing a lawsuit is the only way to get answers." Since December 2014, 12 cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been diagnosed among Bronx residents, according to the New York City Department of Health. Of these, 8 were Co-Op City residents. Health officials found Legionella bacteria in water used in the cooling towers at the facility, according to a department press release. The infected water is used to cool Co-Op City's heating and electrical systems. Legionnaires' disease is caused by … [Read more...]
Report: Iowa VA Patients Not Told of Legionnaires’ Risk
Patients at Veterans Affairs hospital in Iowa were not told that the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' Disease had been found at the facility, according to a report Sunday in the Des Moines Register. Some patients are wondering why they weren't told. The facility plans to spend $6.5 million to replace the plumbing in the patient care areas of the 600,000-square-foot facility. The work is supposed to begin next year. A 2012 Legionnaire’s outbreak at the Pittsburgh VA killed six patients and sickened at least 22 others. Health officials in Pennsylvania are currently trying to determine if a veteran recently diagnosed with Legionnaires’ contracted the disease at the facility. Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, is transmitted when … [Read more...]
