Updated September 12 with a fourth fatality. Twenty people have been hospitalized and four have died in a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at Peregrine Senior Living in Albany, NY, according to state health officials. Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, is transmitted when people inhale water vapor contaminated with Legionella bacteria. It is not contagious.
Legionella can be found in nature but grows best in warmer water like that found in plumbing systems that send water to showers, sinks, drinking fountains, and ice machines. It can also be found in pools, hot tubs, fountains, and rooftop cooling systems.
Do You Need a Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer?
Legionnaires’ Disease at Peregrine Senior Living
Some water samples collected from Peregrine have tested positive for Legionella. State and county health officials are working with the senior living facility to investigate the outbreak and remediate the contamination. Peregrine has installed water filters on some faucets and showerheads. Facilities are responsible for the safety of residents and they are required to have a safe water system.
Legionnaires’ Disease Symptoms
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease usually develop within 14 days of exposure. They include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Muscle aches
Most people with Legionnaires’ disease require hospitalization and about 10 percent of cases are fatal. People are at elevated risk of developing Legionnaires’ disease include:
- People over 50
- Current or former smokers
- People with chronic lung disease
- People with weak immune systems
- People with cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, or liver failure
Experienced Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyers
The Pritzker Hageman Legionnaires’ Disease lawyers recently won a significant recovery for the family of a woman who died from Legionnaires’ Disease. One of the first steps you should take after being diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease is to consult with an experienced lawyer. For a free consultation with one of our lawyers, please call 612-338-0202, text 612-261-0856, or fill out the form below.