The Sheraton Atlanta Legionnaires’ disease outbreak has reached historic proportions. The outbreak which includes 12 confirmed cases, one fatality and at least 63 probable cases is already the largest-ever Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Georgia and likely the second-largest at a hotel in U.S. history.
The only hotel-based Legionnaires’ disease outbreak larger was the outbreak for which the disease was named- a July 1976 outbreak at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia during a three-day American Legion convention. That outbreak sickened 221 people killing 34 of them.
Contact a Pritzker Hageman Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia that is transmitted when water droplets contaminated with legionella bacteria are inhaled. Symptoms of an infection usually develop within two to 14 days of exposure. They include fever, cough, shortness of breath, headaches, muscle aches and other flu-like symptoms.
Recent Legionnaires Outbreaks at Hotels and Motels
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- 12 Known Sick and Possibly 55 More Cases Linked to the Sheraton Atlanta
- Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak at Christmas Mountain Resort in Wisconsin Dells
- Four people sickened in Crookston, MN Outbreak
- Four Seasons Palm Springs Legionnaires’ Outbreak
- 5 People with Legionnaires’ Disease at SpringHill Suites in Round Rock, Texas
- Hannibal Best Western
- Opera House Hotel in New York
- Marriott SpringHill Suites Hotel in Altamonte, Florida
- Super 8 Motel in Lacey, Washington
- Econo Lodge in Ocean City, MD
- Lawsuit against Sleep Inn Owner
Legionella bacteria are found in nature but grow best in warm water, especially the complex water systems of cruise ships and large buildings such as hotels, hospitals and apartment buildings. Because these locations are well-known as legionella hazards, owners should have water treatment plans in place to prevent outbreaks.
Some people are at heightened risk of contracting the disease and developing severe complications such as kidney failure, respiratory failure or swelling of the membranes surrounding the heart. They include people older than 50, current or former smokers, people with chronic lung disease, and people with weakened immune systems. For one of every 10 people who get Legionnaires’ disease, the infection proves fatal.
That was the case with one of our recent Legionnaires’ disease lawsuits against a hotel. Our client was celebrating her 40th wedding anniversary with her husband at a hotel in Las Vegas when she contracted Legionnaires’ disease. She passed away only a week later.
If you or a loved one are part of this outbreak, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover lost wages, medical costs or damages for the wrongful death of a loved one. Our Legionnaires’ disease attorneys have represented clients nationwide in outbreaks linked to hotels, apartment buildings and health care settings. They can help you determine if you have a case. For a free consultation, call 1(888) 377-8900 (toll-free), text 612-261-0856 or use the form below.