One person has died in the Legionnaires' Disease outbreak in Morris Park, Bronx, New York City. Thirteen people have been diagnosed with this illness. Eleven people are hospitalized, and one has been discharged from the hospital. This outbreak was first reported on September 21, 2015. The New York Health Department started investigating, and since Saturday, September 26, 2015, all of the cooling towers in the area had been visited by environmental scientists. All cases have illness onset dates before 9/21/15, and all of the patients have underlying health conditions. People most susceptible to a Legionnaires' Disease infection include anyone over the age of 50, current and former smokers, and anyone who has a chronic lung disease or compromised immune system. So far, 15 cooling … [Read more...]
Another Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in the Bronx Sickens 7
The New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is investigating a cluster of Legionnaires' Disease cases in the Morris Park section of the Bronx. This outbreak is not related to the summer outbreak in the South Bronx linked to the Opera House Hotel. Patients live or work in Morris Park. They range in age from 45 to 75 and are all currently in the hospital. No deaths have been reported to date. Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said in a statement, "we are investigating a cluster of seven cases of Legionnaires' Disease in Morris Park. I urge all New Yorkers to seek care immediately if they have flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, headache, or difficulty breathing. The Department is taking immediate steps to determine the source and protect the people who live and … [Read more...]
Senator Asks for Investigation into Quincy IL Legionnaires’ Outbreak
Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) has asked the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to investigate that the Quincy Illinois Veterans' Home is taking the proper steps in the deadly Legionnaires' outbreak. Fifty-four people have been sickened with Legionnaires' Disease in that part of the state, and 13 people have died, including one person who was not living at the Veterans' Home. The Illinois Department of Public Health just released an update on this outbreak. Durbin wrote, "The Illinois Veterans' Home-Quincy is the largest and oldest veterans' home in Illinois, providing long-term care for veterans and their families since its inception in 1886. However, the size of the campus and the age of its infrastructure and plumbing have made it … [Read more...]
Two More Dead in Quincy Veterans’ Home Legionnaires’ Outbreak
Two more people have died in the Legionnaires' Disease outbreak at the Quincy, Illinois Veterans' Home, according to the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. Since the outbreak began last month, the number of people who have died is twelve, including one person who did not live at that facility. At least 45 more people, including five workers, are also ill at the Veterans' Home. Those who died had underlying health problems. No new cases have been reported since the last update. Public health officials do not know where the bacteria were growing. They continue to investigate the outbreak and are taking environmental tests. Lab results are pending. Legionnaires' Disease is caused by the Legionella bacteria, which grows in warm water. In large outbreaks, evaporative condensers, … [Read more...]
More Sick in Quincy Veterans’ Home Legionnaries’ Outbreak
The Illinois Department of Public Health reports today that there are 53 people sickened in the Legionnaires' Disease outbreak at the Illinois Veterans' Home in Quincy. Nine people have died. Legionnaires' Disease is a severe type of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria. This bacteria grows in warm water systems, especially in large buildings. Cooling towers, hot water tanks, whirlpool spas, evaporative condensers, showers, plumbing systems, and fountains are commonly contaminated with this bacteria. The bacteria leaves the building, plumbing, towers, or fountains in the form of mist. When it is inhaled into the lungs, it can cause the illness. Legionnaires' Disease is not transmitted person-to-person, unlike ordinary pneumonia. The incubation period of this disease is … [Read more...]
Another Death from Legionnaires’ Disease in Illinois
The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a news release stating that another person has died from Legionnaires' Disease in Quincy. Four new cases of the illness have also been reported. These cases are not related to the Legionnaires' Disease outbreak at the Quincy Veterans' Home, according to public officials. The Adams County Health Department Administrator Jerrod Welch said in a statement, "as part of our investigation of the Legionnaires' Disease outbreak at the Illinois Veterans' Home-Quincy, we asked our local health care providers to help us with surveillance of the disease and test individuals in the community who have symptoms related to Legionnaires' Disease. We have thoroughly investigated each confirmed case for a connection with the outbreak, as well as any … [Read more...]
Seven Have Died in Quincy IL Veterans Home Legionnaires’ Outbreak
The Illinois Department of Public Health reports that as of Tuesday, September 1, 2015, seven people have died in the Legionnaires' Disease outbreak at the Veterans Home in Quincy. At least 39 people are sickened in that outbreak. That is an increase of three deaths and 10 more cases since the weekend. Legionella bacteria causes Legionnaires' Disease. It grows in warm water systems, such as cooling towers, fountains, and the plumbing systems of large buildings. The bacteria causes the illness when it is inhaled in mist or vapor. People can also aspirate contaminated water; it gets into the lungs and causes this pneumonia-like illness. This disease is not transmitted person-to-person. The incubation period of Legionnaries' Disease is two to fourteen days, but most often about five … [Read more...]
Four Dead in Quincy Illinois Veterans’ Homes Legionnaires’ Outbreak
Four people have died at the Quincy, Illinois Veterans' Home of complications from Legionnaires' Disease. Those four are among the 29 people who were diagnosed with the illness. That is an increase of six more patients who have been diagnosed since this weekend. The latest press release from the Illinois Government News Network, dated August 28, 2015, states that two people have died, but today's news reports state that four have died. The men who died were in their 80s and 90s. The source of the outbreak has not been found yet. Legionella bacteria commonly grow and thrive in water systems, such as cooling towers, water tanks, hot tubs, fountains, and plumbing systems in large buildings. A person becomes sick when they inhale vapor or mist from those outlets that is contaminated with … [Read more...]
Legionnaires’ Outbreak at San Quentin State Prison
A Legionnaires' Disease outbreak at the San Quentin State Prison has forced that facility to shut off the water. There are six confirmed cases, and at least 51 other possible cases. Those prisoners who have been diagnosed with the illness have been transferred to hospitals for treatment. The possible cases are under observation at the prison's medical unit. Portable toilets are being brought in for the prisoners' use. The kitchen has stopped producing meals; inmates are eating boxed meals. The prisoners who may be sick live in all areas of the prison. The Marin County Health Department is investigating the outbreak. No visitors have been allowed in the facility since the outbreak began. No prisoners can be transferred in or out of the facility as well. Inmates are being told they … [Read more...]
Legionnaires at Quincy Illinois Veterans Home Sickens 23
A Legionnaires Disease outbreak has sickened at least 23 people at the Illinois Veterans’ Home in Quincy. The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are working with the Adams County Health Department to identify the source of the outbreak. Test results for other residents are pending. “Our Quincy Home staff and the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) leadership are taking this situation seriously, as we do with any other situation facing our fellow veterans and residents,” said Erica L. Jeffries, Director, IDVA. “The health, safety, and high quality of life for the residents remains our highest priority. We will work with local, regional, and state partners to find and eliminate any potential source … [Read more...]
