Four people have died and more than 140 people have been hospitalized from a Legionnaire’s disease outbreak linked to a hot tub display at the North Carolina State Fair.
Health officials have linked the outbreak back to the Mountain State Fair, held September 6-15, 2019 at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center in Fletcher, North Carolina.
The NC Department of Health and Human Services blamed a hot tub display within the Davis Event Center, as well as a cooling fan outside the center, for spreading microscopic water droplets containing the Legionella bacteria.
How Does a Person Get Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ is a serious lung infection caused when bacteria called Legionella are spread through water droplets in the air and breathed in, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A hot tub display provides the ideal environment for Legionella bacteria to grow in warm water. Legionella can also be found in cooling towers, plumbing systems, and decorative pools or fountains.
It is not contagious, but can become deadly if left untreated.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ can include fever, chills, coughing, muscle aches, nausea, confusion, shortness of breath, and headaches, the CDC says.
Legionnaires’ Linked to Death, Disease in Atlanta, Georgia
This is the second major Legionnaires’ outbreak in the past two months.
In August, a widespread outbreak of the disease left one woman dead and sickened dozens of others who were all guests at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel.
The Legionnaire’s outbreak at the Sheraton Atlanta, one of Atlanta’s most popular downtown convention hotels, has already produced multiple cases.
If you or a loved one is affected by Legionnaire’s disease, we want to help. Our experienced attorneys can help guide you through the next steps.
Take Legal Action Now
Cory Watson Attorneys has represented hundreds of clients throughout the country in Legionnaire’s outbreaks, including the most recent Sheraton Atlanta outbreak. Let our experience be your strength.
If you were exposed to the bacteria, our experienced Legionnaires’ disease lawyers can help you determine your legal rights. If you have lost a loved one due to Legionnaires’ disease, you may be entitled to a wrongful death claim.
We are a nationwide law firm that can help you no matter where you live. Call (877) 562-0000 or complete our free initial consultation form.
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