In the last part of April and first days of May, 2015, an unusually high number of legionellosis cases in Upstate New York and Ohio were reported to the CDC, according to the MMWR. Doctors and hospitals reported 17 cases in Upstate New York and 11 cases in Ohio. (New information dated May 14 also has 7 cases in New York City.)
Our lawyers are investigating these cases. To date, it does not appear that all 19 cases are part of one outbreak of illness.
Earlier this year, a spike in legionellosis cases in New York was linked to Co-Op City, a Bronx housing complex. Eight of the 12 cases were residents.
In 2013, Ohio had its worst outbreak in its history. 39 confirmed cases were linked to a retirement community. Residents, visitors and one employee were sickened, and 6 of them died.
Legionellosis is a preventable illness. It is caused by water systems that are not cleaned properly or otherwise maintained to prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria. If, for example, a cooling tower is contaminated, anyone who breathes in mist from that tower (a renter or maintenance person) can get this form of pneumonia and die. A swimming pool, hot tub, water fountain or other water source can also be contaminated. Just walking by a tainted fountain in a hotel lobby can cause illness because even a few cells can colonize in the lungs and cause damage.
As suggested above, legionellosis is the illness caused by breathing water mist contaminated with Legionella bacteria. This dangerous pathogen lodges in the lungs and causes a severe form of pneumonia that is often fatal. This illness is also called Legionnaires’ Disease and Legionella pneumonia.