In the past ten months, Legionnaire’s Disease outbreaks have occurred at an alarming rate, especially because a single contamination can expose so many people to the deadly bacteria. The list includes:
1. Bronx, New York – This outbreak in August of 2015 left more than 120 sick and 12 dead. The outbreak was attributed to a contaminated cooling tower located at the Opera House Hotel in the Bronx. Although no more illnesses or deaths have been reported, residents remain worried about another outbreak. According to ABC 7 News in New York City, there have been four cases of Legionnaires’ at the Melrose Houses in the South Bronx over the past 6 months: one occurring earlier in the year, two during the recent South Bronx outbreak, and one more recent case. Only one patient remains hospitalized; the other three patients have been treated and released. Test results at Melrose House are as follows: 681 Cortlandt Avenue tested positive, 304 East 156th Street and 700 Morris Avenue tested negative.
2. San Quentin, California – Seven inmates at the San Quentin Prison in California have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. About 95 inmates are still under observation. The prison has turned the water supply back on and has allowed visitors again, full kitchen service is expected to resume next week, according to the AP and Corrections officials.
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3. Quincy, Illinois – 11 veterans have died from Legionnaires’ disease at the Veteran’s Home in Quincy. Since the outbreak at the end of August, more than 50 veterans have been sickened by the Legionella bacteria. The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs told the AP on Wednesday that it plans to disinfect the home’s water systems with chlorine.
4. Bronx, New York – In late 2014 and early 2015, at least 12 people contracted Legionnaires’ disease in Co-op City. Their exposures were traced back to cooling towers at a power plant near the edge of the residential community. Cooling towers can become contaminated with Legionella and are often implicated as the source of human exposure to Legionella. When water vapor contaminated with Legionella is released by cooling towers, people can be infected by breathing the contaminated vapor.
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Signs and symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include coughing, diarrhea, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches and headaches. These symptoms usually manifest within the first two weeks following exposure to the bacteria. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Cory Watson Attorneys represent clients in Legionnaires’ cases across the U.S. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, please click the button below for your Free Case Evaluation, or call us at 1-877-686-8992
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