Legionnaires’ disease, cryptosporidiosis, and giardiasis take a significant health toll on the thousands of U.S. citizens sickened by them each year. They also cost the U.S. health care system about $539 million per year, according to research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that was recently reported by Reuters.
Although the three diseases produce different symptoms, all three are transmitted by water. Patients catch Legionnaires’ disease and similar diseases either by drinking bacteria-contaminated water or by breathing droplets of that water suspended in humid air, like that found in showers and saunas. Legionnaires’ disease in particular thrives in warm water that is continuously recycled, making places like hospitals, nursing homes, and health clubs especially vulnerable to transmitting the waterborne disease.
In its early stages, Legionnaires’ disease often resembles pneumonia, but its effects are more dangerous. The disease can kill up to 30 percent of the people who contract it. The CDC estimates that around 18,000 Americans are sent to the hospital each year with Legionnaires’ disease, with an approximate cost of $34,000 per patient. Those who are treated early for the condition have the best chance of making a full recovery. Legionnaires’ disease can be treated with antibiotics.
Water supplies contaminated with bacteria may be the fault of those in charge of the water supply, who have a responsibility to ensure the water is properly filtered and kept clean. If you have caught a waterborne disease such as Legionnaires’ disease, you need the experience of Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” on your side. Let Mr. Heisler put his experience as a Maryland Legionnaires’ disease attorney to work for you. Call 877-228-4878 today for a free and confidential case evaluation.
Maryland Injury and Disability Blog Home
