A Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at the InterContinental New York Barclay includes at least three people who have stayed at the hotel within the last 12 months, according to a report in Gothamist. Following reports of these illnesses, health officials tested the water and found the presence of Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease.
Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, isn’t contagious. People get these infections when they breathe in water droplets that are contaminated with Legionella bacteria, which grow best in the warm, stagnant water of manmade structures such as commercial plumbing systems, fountains, and hot tubs.
A hotel spokesperson told the Gothamist that the hotel’s response to the positive tests includes cleaning the pipes, performing chlorine treatments, and increasing water temperatures.
Do You Need a Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer?
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include fever, cough, shortness of breath, headache, and muscle aches. Guests who have recently stayed at the hotel and have these symptoms should see a doctor.
Some people are at higher risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease than others. This group includes:
- Current and former smokers
- People over 50 people
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with underlying medical conditions.
Request a Free Consultation with a Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer
If you or a family member are part of this outbreak and 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. To request a free consultation, please call 1(888) 377-8900 (toll-free), text 612-261-0856, or use the form below.
