A Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at Covenant Living’s Windsor Park retirement home in Carol Stream, IL has sickened three people killing two of them. The DuPage County Health Department issued a news release on January 18, 2020, saying the outbreak includes three people and a spokesman told the Daily Herald that two of them have died from Legionnaires’ disease and other underlying conditions.
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Covenant confirmed to the paper that three Windsor Park residents have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia caused by breathing in water mist contaminated with Legionella bacteria. However, a company spokesperson disputed the health department’s characterization of the illnesses as an outbreak saying it is unclear if the current case and the two fatal cases, diagnosed in May 2019 and November 2019, are related.
DuPage County health officials are working with the Illinois Department of Public Health to investigate the outbreak and will be collecting water samples from the facility.
Meanwhile, Windsor Park has flushed its plumbing system and put some water restrictions in place.
What are the Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease?
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, which include headache, muscle aches, fever, cough and shortness of breath, usually develop within two to 14 days of exposure. Most people with these infections require hospitalization. About 10 percent of all cases are fatal.
Some people are more vulnerable to Legionella infections than others. This group includes current and former smokers, people over 50 and people with compromised immune systems.
Legionella bacteria grow best in warm, stagnant water and the complex plumbing systems of hospitals, hotels, cruise ships and long-term health care facilities are common sources of outbreaks.
Because the Legionella risk associated with the plumbing systems in these industries is well-known, it’s considered an industry standard for owners and operators of these and other large buildings to have a water management plan in place, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A good water management plan can prevent illnesses from occurring.
If you or a family member are part of an outbreak ad you need legal help, please contact our legal team. Pritzker Hageman Legionnaires’ disease lawyers have decades of experience representing people who have been sickened by Legionella bacteria and families who have suffered the wrongful death of a loved one. Call us for a free consultation at 1(888) 377-8900 (toll-free), text 612-261-0856 or use the form below.