Two residents living at a Maryland assisted living center were hospitalized recently after contracting Legionella bacteria, according to a recent article in the Frederick News-Post. Legionella is the bacteria responsible for Legionnaire’s disease, a bacterial infection that resembles pneumonia.
To protect the rest of the residents, the assisted living center shut off the water. The Frederick County Health Department is testing the assisted living center’s water supply for Legionella bacteria. Legionella is frequently found in water, and can enter the lungs if a person breathes in contaminated water mist or droplets.
Until any problems with the water supply are fixed, the Health Department has allowed the assisted living center to keep using its flush toilets but has shut off the water to the sinks and showers. Instead, residents are drinking bottled water and using a portable shower with a separate water supply. They are also using disposable plates and eating utensils, since washing dishes in water contaminated with Legionella may bring the bacteria into contact with the residents.
Legionnaire’s disease is particularly dangerous to elderly people, people who smoke, and people who have chronic lung diseases. Symptoms can take up to 14 days to develop and often resemble the flu. Although finding the source of Legionnaire’s disease can be difficult, several Maryland infections were caused by poorly-maintained hospitals or nursing homes in which Legionella exposure led to serious illness and even death.
If you or someone you love has or has had Legionnaire’s disease and you suspect that a hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility’s negligence is responsible, please don’t hesitate to contact Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer.” As an experienced Maryland Legionnaire’s disease lawyer, Mr. Heisler can help you understand your rights and options and will fight to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. Call 877-228-4878 for a free consultation.
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