Sick with Legionnaires’ disease?
Call (612) 337-6126

Elliot Olsen has decades of experience representing people harmed by Legionnaires’ disease, and he has regained millions of dollars for them. If you or a family member have contracted Legionnaires’ disease in New York City, please call (612) 337-6126 for a free consultation.

Health officials said they found the source of the Legionella bacteria that sickened more than two dozen people with Legionnaires’ disease in upper Manhattan.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) identified a cooling tower at the Sugar Hill Project in Harlem as the culprit for the outbreak that infected 27 people, including one who died, in Washington Heights and Hamilton Heights. Twenty-five people were hospitalized; two remain hospitalized.

“I am relieved that the ‘cluster’ of Legionnaires’ disease in lower Washington Heights is over,” DOHMH commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said in a news release. “After an extensive investigation, the Health Department has identified the cooling tower at the Sugar Hill Project as the most likely source of the ‘cluster.’ ”

Analysis of human and cooling tower specimens matched Legionella strains from the Sugar Hill cooling tower and six patients from the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, which first made headlines July 11. (Now that a source has been identified, the “cluster” can be reclassified as an “outbreak.”) Legionella is the bacteria that causes the deadly respiratory illness.

The cooling tower was disinfected in mid-July. No new cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been reported in three weeks, and the DOHMH has closed its investigation.

Despite the closing of the investigation and the fact that residents are not at an increased risk of Legionnaires’ disease, the DOHMH encourages any New Yorkers with flu-like symptoms to seek care from their health-care provider.

Sugar Hill Project, which opened in 2015, is a 13-story, 191,500-square-foot, mixed-use development located in Manhattan’s historic Sugar Hill district of Harlem. It has 124 affordable housing units for low-income families, including 25 residences for the formerly homeless. It also features the 17,600-squarefoot Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling on the ground floor, as well as an 11,600-square-foot, early-childhood education center on the second floor.

Sugar Hill Project is located at 898 St. Nicholas Avenue at West 155th Street.

What is Legionnaires’ disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe type of pneumonia (lung infection). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 25,000 cases of pneumonia due to Legionella bacteria (Legionella pneumophila) occur yearly in the U.S. Only 5,000 cases are reported, however, because of its nonspecific signs and symptoms.

One in 10 patients infected with Legionnaires’ will die from the disease.

Legionella bacteria are contracted by inhaling microscopic water droplets, usually in the form of mist or vapor. The bacteria, which grow best in warm water, are found primarily in human-made environments.

Where do Legionella live?
Legionnaires’ disease clusters and outbreaks have been linked to numerous sources, such as:

  • cooling towers of air conditioning systems
  • large plumbing systems
  • water systems, such as those used in hospitals, nursing homes, and hotels
  • hot-water tanks and heaters
  • showers and faucets
  • swimming pools
  • hot tubs and whirlpools
  • equipment used in physical therapy
  • mist machines and hand-held sprayers
  • decorative fountains.

What are the diseases’ symptoms?
Legionnaires’ disease is similar to other types of pneumonia, and its symptoms can resemble those of flu, such as:

  • cough
  • difficulty breathing
  • fever
  • muscle aches
  • headaches
  • gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Dr. Mary T. Bassett
Dr. Mary T. Bassett, DOHMH Commissioner

NYC’s top doctor leaving for Harvard

Bassett, who has overseen the DOHMH since January 2014, announced this month that she is leaving the department at the end of the month to become the director of the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights and the François-Xavier Bagnoud professor of the practice of health and human rights at the T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University.

First Deputy Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot will serve as acting health commissioner until a permanent replacement has been named.

Sick with Legionnaires’ disease?
Call (612) 337-6126

Elliot Olsen has decades of experience representing people harmed by Legionnaires’ disease, and he has regained millions of dollars for them. If you or a family member have contracted Legionnaires’ disease at St. John’s Fountain Lake, please call (612) 337-6126 for a free consultation.

A fourth resident at St. John’s Fountain Lake was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease as remediation efforts continued at the Albert Lea senior community in southwestern Minnesota.

The latest illness has officials baffled about the source of the outbreak.

“The exit to the cooling tower is a locked door, so this doesn’t make sense to us,” St. John’s CEO Scot Spates told the Albert Lea Tribune.

Legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaires’ disease, was discovered during preliminary testing at the facility after confirmation of the first three illnesses. The first resident took ill in early June, the second reported to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDOH) on July 19 and the third on July 21. The fourth tested positive July 30 after remediation efforts had begun. None of the four required hospitalization.

Cleanup and testing continues
St. John’s Fountain Lake contracted Innovational Concepts, Inc., to assess the water systems and Minnesota Valley Testing Laboratories to test the samples. The following actions have or will be taken:

  • The facility’s cooling tower has been tested three times.
  • The water main and water lines in the Waters Ege Independent Living building were chemically treated and water samples collected for testing.
  • The nursing home, assisted living and town center’s water were treated this week. Samples for testing have been collected.

“I feel confident that the chemical treatment … will eliminate any Legionella in the water, but we will know for certain after we have results from the lab,” Spates said. “St. John’s will continue with the drinking water restriction until all four buildings have been treated and tested.”

Lab results are expected soon.

Most water restrictions still in place
Bottled water is being supplied to residents until the facility is cleared by the remediation process. The restriction on using ice machines and water sprayers is still in place. Filters were installed on shower heads, allowing residents to resume showering.

Water lines and faucets are being flushed every other day, based on a recommendation from the MDOH. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), frequent flushing of water lines to drain stagnant areas limits the growth of organisms, such as Legionella.

St. John’s Fountain Lake, which opened last October and has approximately 100 residents, provides independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care and short-term care for seniors.

Legionnaires’ 411

Legionnaires’ disease – also known as legionellosis and Legionella pneumonia – is similar to other types of pneumonia, which is an infection of the air sacs in one or both lungs that might produce fluid in the lungs. Symptoms can resemble flu-like symptoms in the following forms:

  • coughing
  • difficulty breathing
  • high fever
  • muscle aches and pains
  • headaches
  • gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

High-risk categories
Anyone can get Legionnaires’ disease, but people most susceptible to infection include:

  • people 50 years of age or older
  • smokers, current and former
  • heavy drinkers of alcoholic beverages
  • people with chronic lung disease
  • people with compromised immune systems
  • recipients of organ transplants
  • individuals who are on specific drug protocols (corticosteroids, to name one).

An underreported and deadly disease
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 25,000 cases of pneumonia due to Legionella bacteria (Legionella pneumophila) occur each year, but only 5,000 cases are reported because of its nonspecific signs and symptoms. Ten percent of those who become infected with Legionnaires’ disease will die from the infection.

Legionella sources
Legionella bacteria are contracted by inhaling microscopic water droplets, usually in the form of mist or vapor. The bacteria, which grow best in warm water, are found primarily in human-made environments.

Outbreaks have been linked to a number of sources, such as:

  • the cooling towers of air conditioning systems
  • large plumbing systems
  • water systems such as those used in hospitals, nursing homes, and hotels
  • showers and faucets
  • hot water tanks and heaters
  • swimming pools
  • hot tubs and whirlpools
  • equipment used in physical therapy
  • mist machines and hand-held sprayers
  • decorative fountains.

Sick with Legionnaires’ disease?
Call (612) 337-6126

Elliot Olsen has decades of experience representing people harmed by Legionnaires’ disease, and he has regained millions of dollars for them. If you or a family member have contracted Legionnaires’ disease in New York City, please call (612) 337-6126 for a free consultation.

New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) confirmed that two of its employees, working out of separate locations, have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease.

A highway patrol officer with MTA’s Bridge and Tunnel division, based at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge administration offices on Staten Island, was hospitalized. He was released after his health improved, according to Wayne Joseph, president of the Bridge and Tunnel Officers Benevolent Association (BTOBA). The officer, a 14-year veteran of the MTA, travels to multiple locations as part of his duty.

A second employee, working out of Randall’s Island in Queens who is not a member of the BTOBA, also was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, a severe respiratory illness. They were treated and discharged.

It’s unknown where or how either employee contracted the disease. Their names, ages, and genders were not released.

Two additional MTA employees – a lieutenant and a maintenance worker – were suffering Legionnaires’-like symptoms (see symptoms list below) and instructed by a doctor to “not to return to work,” Joseph said. Neither has been diagnosed with the disease.

Joseph also said a group of sergeants and lieutenants is awaiting test results for Legionnaires’ disease, so the number of infected could grow.

Investigation underway
“Out of an abundance of caution, we are working with the State Health Department to conduct a full investigation,” the MTA said in a statement.

The MTA is North America’s most extensive public transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people within the 5,000-square-mile area extending from the five boroughs (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island) of New York City through Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut.

Showers temporarily shut down
A memo sent by Renee Shepherd, director of MTA Bridges South, warned employees at the Staten Island location that the showers were temporarily shuttered but without explaining why. Yellow hazard tape cordoned off three shower stalls at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge facility.

Shepherd’s memo read: “Please be advised that until further notice, the showers in this area are not to be used. I apologize for any inconvenience.”

CBS2 said sources informed the station that Legionella – the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease – was discovered in the shower heads at the Verrazano-Narrows bridge facility.

It is recommended that MTA employees who are feeling flu-like symptoms seek care from their health-care provider immediately.

Legionella troubling NYC again
It has been another busy summer for Legionnaires’ disease in New York City.

On July 8, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) confirmed eight cases of Legionnaires’ disease in lower Washington Heights and upper Hamilton Heights. Since then, the case count has more than tripled, and it currently stands at 27 with one death.

According to Joseph, the Staten Island officer had “not patrolled or been in Washington Heights.”

Later in July, two cases of Legionnaires’ disease were confirmed at Clinton Manor, a property for Section 8 tenants in Hell’s Kitchen. Health officials also confirmed that Legionella bacteria were found in the water supply of the Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx.

Bronx outbreak killed 12 in 2015
The largest outbreak in New York City history occurred in 2015. Contaminated cooling towers were blamed for producing Legionnaires’ disease that killed 12 people and sickened more than 120 others in the south Bronx.

Every year, between 200 and 500 people are diagnosed with the disease in NYC, city health officials said.

Legionnaires’ disease info

Legionnaires’ disease – also known as legionellosis and Legionella pneumonia – is similar to other types of pneumonia, which is an infection of the air sacs in one or both lungs that might produce fluid in the lungs. Symptoms can resemble flu-like symptoms in the following forms:

  • cough
  • difficulty breathing
  • fever
  • muscle aches
  • headaches
  • gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Legionnaires’ disease is not passed person-to-person, and it’s easily cured with antibiotics if diagnosed early.

The severity of the illness is illustrated in a new Epidemiology & Infection study at the University of Minnesota. Based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), “approximately 9 percent of legionellosis cases, caused by waterborne Legionella bacteria, are fatal, and 40 percent require intensive care.”

An underreported disease
According to the CDC, an estimated 25,000 cases of pneumonia due to Legionella bacteria (Legionella pneumophila) occur yearly in the U.S. Only 5,000 cases are reported, however, because of its nonspecific signs and symptoms.

Legionella bacteria are contracted by inhaling microscopic water droplets, usually in the form of mist or vapor. The bacteria, which grow best in warm water, are found primarily in human-made environments.

Heat, humidity aid Legionella
Legionnaires’ disease occurs more frequently in hot, humid weather because Legionella bacteria grow best in warm water. The bacteria are found primarily in human-made environments.

According to Laura Cooley, MD, MPH from the CDC’s Respiratory Diseases Branch, Legionnaires’ disease is “an emerging disease in the sense that the number of recorded cases of Legionnaires’ in the United States continues to increase.”

Cooley said she believes the increase is due to an increase in the susceptibility of the population – that is, more and more people are using immunosuppressive medications. She also said there could be more Legionella in the environment because warmer temperatures are creating the right conditions for bacterial growth.

Legionella sources
Outbreaks have been linked to a number of sources:

  • water systems, such as those used in apartment complexes, hospitals, nursing homes, and hotels
  • the cooling towers of air conditioning systems
  • large plumbing systems
  • hot-water tanks and heaters
  • showers and faucets
  • swimming pools
  • hot tubs and whirlpools
  • equipment used in physical therapy
  • mist machines and hand-held sprayers
  • decorative fountains.

Sick with Legionnaires’ disease?
Call (612) 337-6126

Elliot Olsen has decades of experience representing people harmed by Legionnaires’ disease, and he has regained millions of dollars for them. If you or a family member have contracted Legionnaires’ disease in New York City, please call (612) 337-6126 for a free consultation.

New York City health officials confirmed that two cases of Legionnaires’ disease are being investigated in Hell’s Kitchen, a neighborhood on the west side of Manhattan.

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) is testing the water for Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, at two buildings: 535 West 51st Street and 540 West 52nd Street.

Both buildings are part of Clinton Manor, a two-building housing complex developed in 1981. The eight-story property totals 235 residential units for Section 8 tenants, and includes alternate addresses between 538 and 550 West 52nd Street.

The two individuals who were sickened in July are residents of Clinton Manor. Both were hospitalized but have since been released. No information was provided on their ages or genders.

People at increased risk
Most people exposed to Legionella do not get sick, but people 50 years old and older, especially those who smoke and have chronic lung conditions, are at a higher risk.

Other people more susceptible to infection include:

  • heavy drinkers of alcoholic beverages
  • people with compromised immune systems
  • recipients of organ transplants
  • individuals who are on specific drug protocols (corticosteroids, to name one).

Residents given warnings
The DOHMH is urging Clinton Manor residents to avoid using hot water until testing results prove the system is clear of Legionella. 

Residents who are feeling flu-like symptoms (see below) should seek immediate care from their health-care provider. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Legionnaires’ disease is often under-reported, so the full extent of the outbreak might never be known.

Legionella plaguing the city
It has been another busy summer for Legionnaires’ disease in New York City.

On July 8, the DOHMH confirmed eight cases of Legionnaires’ disease in lower Washington Heights and upper Hamilton Heights. Since then, the case count has more than tripled, and currently, the Legionnaires’ cluster stands at 27 with one death.

In addition, health officials have confirmed that Legionella bacteria recently were found in the water supply of the Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx.

Bronx outbreak killed 12 in 2015
The largest outbreak in New York City history occurred in 2015. Contaminated cooling towers were blamed for producing Legionnaires’ disease that killed 12 people and sickened more than 120 others in the south Bronx.

Every year, between 200 and 500 people are diagnosed with the disease in NYC, city health officials said.

Legionnaires’ primer

Legionnaires’ disease – also called legionellosis and Legionella pneumonia – is a severe type of lung infection. According to the CDC, an estimated 25,000 cases of pneumonia due to Legionella bacteria (Legionella pneumophila) occur yearly in the U.S. Only 5,000 cases are reported, however, because of its nonspecific signs and symptoms.

Legionella bacteria are contracted by inhaling microscopic water droplets, usually in the form of mist or vapor. The bacteria, which grow best in warm water, are found primarily in human-made environments.

Why is this happening?
Legionnaires’ disease occurs more frequently in hot, humid weather, because the bacteria grow best in warm water and are found primarily in human-made environments.

According to Laura Cooley, MD, MPH from the CDC’s Respiratory Diseases Branch, Legionnaires’ disease is “an emerging disease in the sense that the number of recorded cases of Legionnaires’ in the United States continues to increase.”

Cooley said she believes the increase is due to an increase in the susceptibility of the population – that is, more and more people are using immunosuppressive medications. She also said there could be more Legionella in the environment, because warmer temperatures are creating the right conditions for bacterial growth.

Where do Legionella live?
Outbreaks have been linked to a number of sources:

  • water systems, such as those used in apartment complexes, hospitals, nursing homes, and hotels
  • the cooling towers of air conditioning systems
  • large plumbing systems
  • hot-water tanks and heaters
  • showers and faucets
  • swimming pools
  • hot tubs and whirlpools
  • equipment used in physical therapy
  • mist machines and hand-held sprayers
  • decorative fountains.

What are the symptoms?
Legionnaires’ disease develops anywhere from two to 10 days after exposure to Legionella. Symptoms frequently begin with the following:

  • severe headache
  • muscle aches and pains
  • chills
  • high fever, which can be 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

By day two or three, other symptoms develop, including:

  • coughing, which often brings up mucus and sometimes blood
  • difficulty breathing, also known as dyspnea
  • chest pains
  • gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting and nausea
  • confusion and other mental changes.

Although Legionnaires’ disease primarily affects the lungs, it occasionally can cause infections in wounds and in other parts of the body, including the heart.

Water samples tested positive for the Legionella bacteria at the Good Samaritan Society – Prophets Riverview in Prophetstown, IL, after more than half of the nursing home’s residents took ill, including nine who died from a mysterious respiratory illness.

Legionella is the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, but none of the home’s sick residents tested positive for the disease.

More than 20 of the nursing home’s three dozen residents developed a respiratory illness between mid-May and June 29, including the death of nine residents during that same timeframe.

It’s unknown whether any of nine who died from their illnesses had contracted Legionnaires’, according to Whiteside County Health Department administrator Beth Fiorini.

Residents were tested for “a long list of viruses and bacteria that can cause respiratory infections (including both influenza and Legionella)” according to a statement on the Good Samaritan website. Tests were negative for any of the usual respiratory suspects.

No employees, only residents, suffered from the health issues and respiratory symptoms.

“Low levels” of Legionella bacteria was detected during testing, which is “not unusual,” according to Aaron Woods, a spokesperson for the national Good Samaritan Society, the nonprofit that owns and operates the facility.

“We’re following the state recommendations as well as the county’s recommendations to get this level decreased,” Prophets Riverview administrator Benjamin Ornelas said. “So at some point, we can get a no-detection level.”

Three weeks of remediation efforts, including installing .2 micron filters (used to sterilize fluid passed through them) in showerheads and faucets, has slowed the spread of respiratory illnesses, as only one resident developed symptoms in more than a week.

The home’s staff is wearing gowns, gloves, and masks to provide residents with a clean environment, and using bottled water and bathing wipes. They are also running tap water in a fine stream and removed aerators from faucets to try and avoid water from misting. Legionnaires’ disease is a waterborne virus that infects people when microscopic droplets containing Legionella bacteria are inhaled.

Prophets Riverview has had a state-mandated water-testing protocol in place since regulations were updated last year.

Legionnaires is no stranger to the state
Currently, McHenry County in northern Illinois is investigating a Legionnaires’ disease cluster that has sickened nine residents from five different cities in the county between June 7 and July 1.

Earlier this year, it was learned that the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy (IVHQ) was battling a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak for the fourth consecutive year after a fourth resident was confirmed with the disease.

There were six confirmed cases at IVHQ last year, including the death of one person. The 2017 outbreak increased the number who have died at the facility because of Legionnaires’ disease to 13 since 2015. There were more than 50 illnesses and 12 deaths during the 2015 outbreak.

More than 300 cases of Legionnaires’ disease are reported in Illinois each year, according to the IDPH. There have been 91 cases so far in 2018 after 332 were confirmed in 2017, and 318 in 2016.

Legionnaires’ 101

Legionnaires’ disease – also called legionellosis and Legionella pneumonia – is a severe type of lung infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 25,000 cases of pneumonia due to Legionella bacteria (Legionella pneumophila) occur yearly in the U.S. Only 5,000 cases are reported, however, because of its nonspecific signs and symptoms.

Ten percent of people who become infected with Legionnaires’ disease will die from the infection.

Legionella bacteria are contracted by inhaling microscopic water droplets, usually in the form of mist or vapor. The bacteria, which grow best in warm water, are found primarily in human-made environments.

Where do Legionella live?
Outbreaks have been linked to a number of sources:

  • large plumbing systems
  • showers and faucets
  • hot-water tanks and heaters
  • swimming pools
  • hot tubs and whirlpools
  • decorative fountains
  • mist machines and hand-held sprayers
  • equipment used in physical therapy
  • water systems, such as those used in hospitals, nursing homes, and hotels
  • the cooling towers of air conditioning systems.

Legionnaires’ symptoms
Legionnaires’ disease is similar to other types of pneumonia. Symptoms can even resemble those of flu, which is why it often goes under-reported.

Symptoms include:

  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • fever
  • muscle aches
  • headaches
  • gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Who is most at risk?
Anyone can become ill from Legionella, but those most susceptible to infection include:

  • people 50 years of age or older
  • smokers, both current and former
  • heavy drinkers of alcoholic beverages
  • people with chronic lung disease
  • people with compromised immune systems
  • recipients of organ transplants
  • individuals who are on specific drug protocols (corticosteroids, to name one).

Health officials announced that Legionella bacteria was detected in a New York City hospital in the Bronx, the second borough in the city dealing with the dangerous bacterium that causes Legionnaires’ disease. Currently, upper Manhattan is dealing with a Legionnaires’ cluster that has sickened 27 with one death.

Routine testing of the potable water supply returned low, but elevated levels of the bacteria at the Jacobi Medical Center, according to NYC Health + Hospitals, which is the largest public health care system in the United States. Jacobi is approximately 7 miles from the Washington Heights area affected by the growing disease cluster.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe type of pneumonia (lung infection), which is treatable with antibiotics when diagnosed early. It is not contagious and passed from person to person.

There have been no reports of any Legionnaires’ illnesses at the hospital, and NYC Health + Hospitals said the risk to patients, employees or visitors to the hospital on Pelham Parkway South in Morris Park is very low and there is zero risk to the surrounding community.

“Per guidance from the New York State Department of Health, which regulates hospitals, we have taken steps to prevent any impact on our patients, staff, or visitors,” NYC Health + Hospitals wrote in a statement. “Safety is always our highest priority,”

Implementation of water restrictions at the 450-bed hospital includes supplying bottled water for patients, employees and visitors, and the use of bath wipes by patients for daily hygiene until new water filters are installed in the showers.

The detection of the bacteria at Jacobi comes weeks after the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease illnesses affecting Manhattan’s southern Washington Heights and northern Hamilton Heights neighborhoods.

The disease cluster is not connected in any way to the discovery of the Legionella at Jacobi.

Bronx outbreak killed 12 in 2015
The largest outbreak in New York City history occurred in 2015. Contaminated cooling towers were blamed for producing Legionnaires’ disease that killed 12 people and sickened more than 120 others in the South Bronx.

Every year, between 200 and 500 people are diagnosed with the disease in New York, according to city health officials.

Legionnaires’ information

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 25,000 cases of pneumonia due to Legionella bacteria (Legionella pneumophila) occur yearly in the U.S. Only 5,000 cases are reported, however, because of its nonspecific signs and symptoms.

Legionella bacteria are contracted by inhaling microscopic water droplets, usually in the form of mist or vapor. The bacteria, which grow best in warm water, are found primarily in human-made environments.

Where do Legionella live?
Legionnaires’ disease clusters and outbreaks have been linked to numerous sources, such as:

  • cooling towers of air conditioning systems
  • large plumbing systems
  • water systems, such as those used in hospitals, nursing homes, and hotels
  • hot-water tanks and heaters
  • showers and faucets
  • swimming pools
  • hot tubs and whirlpools
  • equipment used in physical therapy
  • mist machines and hand-held sprayers
  • decorative fountains.

What are the symptoms?
Legionnaires’ disease is similar to other types of pneumonia, and its symptoms can resemble those of flu, such as:

  • cough
  • difficulty breathing
  • fever
  • muscle aches
  • headaches
  • gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Elevated levels of Legionella bacteria were discovered at the Town Hall in West Orange, NJ, after Legionnaires’ disease hospitalized a long-time municipal employee.

After learning of the worker’s illness, officials of the central Essex County town hired an outside environmental company to test water sources at the two buildings in which the employee worked.

One of the buildings – which was not named to protect the privacy of the employee – was free of Legionella, which causes Legionnaires’ disease. However, five of the 10 samples from Town Hall returned “elevated levels” of the potentially deadly bacteria.

Despite the positive test at Town Hall, it is unknown whether the worker contracted their illness on the job. The employee is “making a recovery,” according to West Orange business administrator John Sayers. The employee’s name, job title, gender, and age were not released.

All municipal buildings to be tested
Town Hall, which is located at 66 Main Street and built in 1937, houses all of the city departments. The basement contains a garage, storage space, and a block of six cells. On the first floor are the police headquarters, courtroom, and offices for the mayor, clerk, treasurer, and others. The second floor has offices for the engineer, director, building inspector, the street department, and a drafting room.

Because of the positive test at Town Hall, the township will be testing all other municipal buildings. As a precaution, officials disconnected the potable water supply at Town Hall and other “remedial steps” are being taken.

“We have been assured by outside consultants and experts that by shutting down the potable water supply, installing filters … replacing the hot water heater, which has already been disconnected, and making plumbing repairs, that the conditions will be remedied and safe,” West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi said. “We will ensure that all prescribed remedies are in place as quickly as possible.”

Employees and visitors to West Orange municipal buildings who have recently suffered from or are currently exhibiting pneumonia- or flu-like symptoms (see below) should seek immediate medical attention from their primary health-care provider. They should also contact the West Orange Health & Welfare Department (WOHWD) – call 973-325-4120 or email healthdept@westorange.org – to report their illness.

West Orange is located approximately 5 miles west of downtown Newark and 13 miles west of New York City.

Legionnaires’ disease FAQs

What is Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease – also known as legionellosis and Legionella pneumonia – is a severe type of pneumonia (lung infection). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 25,000 cases of pneumonia due to Legionella bacteria (Legionella pneumophila) occur yearly in the United States. Only 5,000 cases are reported, however, because of its nonspecific signs and symptoms.

Ten percent of people who become infected with Legionnaires’ disease will die from the infection.

Legionella bacteria are contracted by inhaling microscopic water droplets, usually in the form of mist or vapor. The bacteria, which grow best in warm water, are found primarily in human-made environments.

Where do Legionella live?
Outbreaks have been linked to a number of sources, such as:

  • water systems, like those used in hospitals, nursing homes, and hotels
  • large plumbing systems
  • faucets and showers
  • hot tubs and whirlpools
  • equipment used in physical therapy
  • hot-water tanks and heaters
  • swimming pools
  • decorative fountains
  • mist machines and hand-held sprayers
  • the cooling towers of air conditioning systems.

Who is most at risk?
Anyone can become ill from Legionella, but those most susceptible to infection include:

  • people 50 years of age or older
  • smokers, current and former
  • heavy drinkers of alcoholic beverages
  • people with chronic lung disease
  • people with compromised immune systems
  • recipients of organ transplants
  • individuals who are on specific drug protocols (corticosteroids, to name one).

What are the symptoms?
Legionnaires’ disease is similar to other types of pneumonia. Symptoms can even resemble those of flu, which is why Legionnaires’ often goes under-reported. Those symptoms include:

  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • fever
  • muscle aches
  • headaches
  • gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) announced that five new cases of Legionnaires’ disease had been confirmed in the cluster affecting upper Manhattan, increasing the number of people sickened to 27.

Three of the cluster’s victims have been hospitalized, and one person has died. The illness has infected residents of southern Washington Heights and northern Hamilton Heights.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) first alerted the public about the cluster on July 11, when eight people were confirmed with the disease. The patients have ranged in age from younger than 40 to older than 80, and the majority are older than 50. The individual who died was older than 50 but wasn’t diagnosed early.

Cooling towers suspected
Officials are “actively looking” for the source of the upper Manhattan cluster, DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, and “we worry about cooling towers.” They are the suspected cause of the cluster.

Inspectors took water samples from 20 cooling-tower systems from buildings between 145th and 155th Streets. The city already has treated the towers’ water, according to Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, deputy commissioner of Disease Control. Several building owners were ordered to increase the use of biocides to kill Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease.

Regulations ‘ignored’
Recent data released by the DOHMH suggests that building owners are flagrantly ignoring regulations put into place three years ago to prevent the spread of Legionnaires’ disease.

According to the DOHMH “Annual Report on the Status of Primary Indicators Associated with Cooling Towers” provided to WNYC.org, 6,447 cooling towers were inspected last year. The city issued 75,822 violations — an average of nearly 12 violations for each tower checked. Of those, 5,496 violations were considered public health hazards — meaning the property owner(s):

  • didn’t clean the tower when it was found to have high levels of Legionella;
  • hadn’t taken a recent sample to test for Legionella, or
  • didn’t have a plan to clean it regularly.

People at increased risk
“While most people exposed to Legionella don’t get sick, individuals ages 50 and above – especially those who smoke and have chronic lung conditions – are at a higher risk,” Bassett said. “This disease is very treatable with antibiotics. I encourage anyone with symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease to seek care early.”

Other people more susceptible to infection include:

  • heavy drinkers of alcoholic beverages
  • people with compromised immune systems
  • recipients of organ transplants
  • individuals who are on specific drug protocols (corticosteroids, to name one).

Watch for symptoms
Officials continue to warn people who live, work or travel through the area to be vigilant because someone who is infected might not yet be presenting symptoms, because of the disease’s two-week incubation period.

“It’s really important if you’re feeling sick to get attention,” Daskalakis said.

If you are feeling flu-like symptoms, it’s recommended you see your health-care provider immediately out of an abundance of caution.

Similar to other pneumonia types
Legionnaires’ disease is similar to other types of pneumonia, and its symptoms can resemble those of flu, such as:

  • cough
  • difficulty breathing
  • fever
  • muscle aches
  • headaches
  • gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

More on Legionnaires’ disease

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe type of pneumonia (lung infection). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 25,000 cases of pneumonia due to Legionella bacteria (Legionella pneumophila) occur yearly in the U.S. Only 5,000 cases are reported, however, because of its nonspecific signs and symptoms.

One in 10 patients infected with Legionnaires’ will die from the disease.

Legionella bacteria are contracted by inhaling microscopic water droplets, usually in the form of mist or vapor. The bacteria, which grow best in warm water, are found primarily in human-made environments.

Where do Legionella live?
Legionnaires’ disease clusters and outbreaks have been linked to numerous sources, such as:

  • cooling towers of air conditioning systems
  • large plumbing systems
  • water systems, such as those used in hospitals, nursing homes, and hotels
  • hot-water tanks and heaters
  • showers and faucets
  • swimming pools
  • hot tubs and whirlpools
  • equipment used in physical therapy
  • mist machines and hand-held sprayers
  • decorative fountains.

Legionella bacteria was present in preliminary test results at St. John’s Fountain Lake senior community in Albert Lea, MN, according to St. John’s CEO Scot Spates. It was also announced that a third resident had taken ill with Legionnaires’ disease, which is caused by Legionella.

The three illnesses were confirmed to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) over the past two months, with the first illness reported in early June and two more illnesses reported since mid-July. None of the three were still hospitalized, according to Spates.

According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), “Legionnaires’ disease has an incubation period (the time from exposure to the onset of symptoms) of 2 to 10 days.” There hasn’t been a confirmed case at Fountain Lake in the past six days.

The full assessment of the facility’s water supply by consultant Innovational Concepts, Inc. is expected in the next week and presumed to include recommendations on how to end the outbreak and prevent further incidents.

Despite the Legionella finding, the nursing home’s bacteria has yet to be named as the conclusive source for the three illnesses. Minnesota Valley Testing, the company handling the testing of the water samples, hopes to identify the strains of Legionella by late next week and compare them to the patient’s cultures.

Bottled water has been supplied to Fountain Lake’s residents and employees, and they’ve been advised not to the drink the water until the process has been completed. Residents also have been warned to avoid using the ice machines and water sprayers and to take only sponge baths until contractors have completed remediation and testing shows conclusively that the facility is safe.

St. John’s Fountain Lake, which has approximately 100 residents and opened last October, provides independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care and short-term care for seniors.

Legionnaires’ FAQs

What is Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease – also known as legionellosis and Legionella pneumonia – is similar to other types of pneumonia, which is an infection of the air sacs in one or both lungs that might produce fluid in the lungs. Symptoms can resemble flu-like symptoms in the following forms:

  • coughing
  • difficulty breathing
  • high fever
  • muscle aches and pains
  • headaches
  • gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Who is most at risk for illness?
Anyone can get Legionnaires’ disease, but people most susceptible to infection include:

  • people 50 years of age or older
  • smokers, current and former
  • heavy drinkers of alcoholic beverages
  • people with chronic lung disease
  • people with compromised immune systems
  • recipients of organ transplants
  • individuals who are on specific drug protocols (corticosteroids, to name one).

How prevalent is the disease?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 25,000 cases of pneumonia due to Legionella bacteria (Legionella pneumophila) occur each year, but only 5,000 cases are reported because of its nonspecific signs and symptoms. Ten percent of those who become infected with Legionnaires’ disease will die from the infection.

How does Legionella infect a person?
Legionella bacteria are contracted by inhaling microscopic water droplets, usually in the form of mist or vapor. The bacteria, which grow best in warm water, are found primarily in human-made environments.

Outbreaks have been linked to a number of sources, such as:

  • the cooling towers of air conditioning systems
  • large plumbing systems
  • water systems such as those used in hospitals, nursing homes, and hotels
  • showers and faucets
  • hot water tanks and heaters
  • swimming pools
  • hot tubs and whirlpools
  • equipment used in physical therapy
  • mist machines and hand-held sprayers
  • decorative fountains.

For the second time in less than 12 months, a North Waco, TX, hotel is under investigation for a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak after two guests were confirmed with the illness.

The out-of-state guests were diagnosed upon their return home. They stayed separately earlier this month at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Waco North, 4257 N. Interstate 35 in Lacy Lakeview.

No further information was available on the condition of the two or whether they required hospitalization.

As it did last year, the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District (WMCPHD) issued a “control order” to the hotel and is requiring hotel administrators to notify all guests and staff of the risk of the disease. They also will be required to allow the WMCPHD to conduct an environmental investigation of the property.

The bacterial disease is a severe form of pneumonia and is typically contracted through inhalation of mist or vapor from water contaminated with Legionella.

“Although a direct source for the disease has not been determined at this time,” health officials said, “it is important that all guests are notified of any potential risk while staying at the Fairfield Inn and Suites.”

Kelly Craine, public information officer for the WMCPHD, told KWTX News 10: “It could be anywhere. So you’re looking at all of the water sources: air conditioning, plumbing, hot water heaters, pool, hot tub. Every area that has water involved in it. Our investigators will be checking that, swabbing that, looking for a definitive source.”

The hotel was investigated last year after four cases were connected to the facility between October 2016 and August 2017.

Hotel given three orders
At that time, in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Texas Department of State Health Services, the WMCPHD required the Fairfield Inn to implement three actions to comply with the control order:

  • Hire a qualified consultant to assist with the development and implementation of a water maintenance plan.
  • Maintain water temperature at 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Notify all guest of the risks of Legionnaires’ disease.

A comprehensive test of the hotel’s water system last August included the taking of 34 samples of the different sources of possible contamination. The results came back negative for Legionella.

CDC: About 25,000 cases of Legionnaires’ annually

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe type of pneumonia or lung infection. According to the CDC, an estimated 25,000 cases of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria (Legionella pneumophila) occur in the United States yearly. However, only 5,000 cases are reported because of its nonspecific signs and symptoms.

Legionella bacteria are contracted by inhaling microscopic water droplets in the form of mist or vapor. The bacteria are found primarily in human-made environments, such as cooling towers, air-conditioning systems, hot tubs, and spas, to name a few.

Warm, stagnant water provides ideal conditions for growth, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). At temperatures between 68 degrees and 122 degrees Fahrenheit, the organism can multiply. Temperatures of 90 degrees to 105 degrees are ideal for growth.

Complications of Legionnaires’ disease

After Legionnaires’ disease has been diagnosed, hospitalization is often necessary. In the most severe cases, complications can include respiratory failure, kidney failure, septic shock, or even death.

Anyone can get the disease, but those at the most significant risk of infection include:

  • people 50 or older
  • smokers (current or former)
  • heavy drinkers of alcoholic beverages
  • people with chronic lung disease
  • people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease

Legionnaires’ disease usually develops two to 10 days after exposure to Legionella bacteria. It frequently begins with the following signs and symptoms:

  • headache
  • muscle pain
  • chills
  • fever, which can be 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

By the second or third day, other signs and symptoms develop, including:

  • cough, which can bring up mucus and sometimes blood
  • shortness of breath
  • chest pain
  • gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
  • confusion and other mental changes.

Although Legionnaires’ disease primarily affects the lungs, it occasionally can cause infections in wounds and in other parts of the body, including the heart.

A mild form of Legionnaires’ disease — known as Pontiac fever — may produce signs and symptoms including a fever, chills, headache and muscle aches. Pontiac fever doesn’t infect your lungs, and symptoms usually clear within two to five days.