A Legionnaires’ disease outbreak linked to Christmas Mountain Resort has sickened at least three people and killed one. People starting reporting illnesses within two weeks of staying at the Wisconsin Dells resort.
Health officials announced that part of the resort’s water system tested positive for Legionella bacteria, but the source is still pending. The investigation remains ongoing.
How Do You Get Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia. It is not contagious – you cannot catch it from another person. People get Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in water droplets that contain the bacteria. Legionella bacteria thrive in complex water systems in hotels, commercial buildings and cruise ships.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches and headache. Symptoms begin within 2-10 days of exposure and can last up two weeks. People at high risk for Legionnaires’ disease include adults ages 50 or older, smokers and people with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems.
Additional Outbreak Investigations in Wisconsin
In December of 2018, a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at the UW-Madison Hospital sickened 11 people, one of whom died. Health officials linked the outbreak to the hospital’s hot water system.
Experienced Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyers
The Legionnaires’ disease legal team at Pritzker Hageman helps victims and their families get justice and compensation. Recently, our lawyers obtained a $3 million settlement on behalf of the family of a woman who died from a Legionella infection that she contracted from a hotel. Fill out the contact form below, call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free) or text 612-261-0856 for a free consultation.