A Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at Advocate Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL has sickened four people. The outbreak began in 2018 and includes two people who were patients at the 750-bed hospital, located about 40 minutes southwest of Chicago, within the last two months.
Contact a Pritzker Hageman Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia that people get when they inhale water vapor that is contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Although it exists in nature, Legionella bacteria thrives in the complex water systems of commercial buildings, cruise ships and hospitals. Fountains, hot tubs, showers and faucets can aerosolize the bacteria. But its overgrowth can be controlled with a water management plan that includes regular testing.
The Illinois Department of Health is investigating the outbreak and working with the hospital on a water management plan.
Legionnaires’ disease cases have been on the rise since 2000, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency’s researchers found that cases of legionellosis have more than quintupled since 2000, but they aren’t quite sure why.
One thing that is known is that Legionnaire’s disease is preventable. The Legionnaires’ disease lawyers at Pritzker Hageman represent clients nationwide who have been sickened in Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks. To contact them for a free consultation call 1(888) 377-8900 (toll-free), send a text to 612-261-0856. Or, use the form below. The consultation is free and there is no obligation.
