Every year, there are at least 100 cases of Legionnaire’s disease in the United States alone, and scientists estimate that number is much higher—many don’t get diagnosed. The state health department or CDC launches an investigation whenever individuals are diagnosed with Legionnaires. Legionnaire’s disease is directly caused by legionella bacteria in water systems. The hotels, restaurants, resorts, and housing complexes are now liable for endangering the health of their customers and tenants.
California’s Palm Springs: 2 Dead, 14 Hospitalized After Outbreak
From the end of 2021 into the beginning of 2022, hospitals in California’s Coachella Valley diagnosed 20 cases of Legionnaires, according to local news. Of those 20 cases, 14 individuals were hospitalized with severe symptoms. Two of those hospitalized patients died as a result of the illness. The source of the bacteria remains unknown, though the county opened an investigation early last year.
Hawaii, Waikiki: 5 Diagnosed Cases
At least five visitors who stayed in Waikiki’s The Grand Islander by Hilton resort were diagnosed with Legionnaires over the course of two months. Symptoms of the illness take about two weeks to develop and mostly affect those over 50 years of age. Hawaii’s DOH launched an investigation, but no cases have been reported since.
Bronx, New York: 24 Cases, 2 Deaths
In June of 2022, Department of Health Officials found Legionella bacteria in four cooling towers around the Bronx, after over 24 cases were diagnosed. Two of those cases were fatal. The individuals with the most severe cases were over 50 years old, and others affected had a history of health and respiratory problems.
Napa Valley, California: 13 Cases, 1 Death
From beginning to mid-July, 13 individuals living in the same area in Napa Valley were diagnosed with Legionarre’s disease. After launching an investigation and testing various local water sources, legionella bacteria was found in the Embassy Suites Napa Valley water cooler. The cooler was immediately taken offline, mitigating any public risk. While none of those ill were guests of the hotel, they did live nearby.
Hamilton Township, Bergen County, New Jersey: 7 Cases, 1 Death
Beginning in August and over the course of several weeks, doctors confirmed 7 cases of Legionairre’s disease in individuals from Passaic, Paterson and Wayne, and Bergen counties. While an investigation was launched, officials never found the source of the legionella bacteria. However, the last cases were reported in December, so officials are still investigating the source.
Manhattan, New York: 8 Cases with 5 Deaths in Nursing Home
Last September, an outbreak in Amsterdam Nursing Home led to the death of five residents due to Legionarre’s disease. This case shocked the city, as all the victims were elderly folks with previous health conditions. A New York Times investigation revealed the home had been cited six times by city workers over violations of water cooler laws. It turned out that workers routinely failed to comply with minimum cleaning standards.
Every state has strict laws regarding the maintenance of water coolers and storage facilities. Frequent maintenance and testing is the best way to avoid an outbreak of this bacteria. For all the supplies you need to test your property’s water system, contact SanAir Technologies Laboratory by calling 888-895-1177 or reach out online. We can overnight you all the materials and instructions to complete Legionella testing and test your sample quickly in our state-of-the-art laboratory.
