ALBANY, N.Y. — A fourth person has died amid an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at an assisted living facility in upstate New York, health officials said Tuesday.
Albany County officials announced the initial three deaths last week, among ten people who tested positive for the disease at Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker in Albany.
Albany County Department of Health Commissioner Maribeth Miller said in a prepared statement Tuesday that there were two new positive tests for legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, and now a total of four deaths connected to the outbreak.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe type of pneumonia caused by inhaling small water droplets containing Legionella bacteria, which can lurk inside plumbing systems. People who are older, have weakened immune systems or have certain medical conditions like chronic lung disease are at higher risk for developing Legionnaires’ disease.
County officials said last week that two of the people who died had been hospitalized for other health issues, meaning it was unclear whether Legionnaires’ disease had killed them. Miller in her prepared statement Tuesday said there were four “pneumonia fatalities in connection with this outbreak.” County officials would not elaborate.
In response to the outbreak, health officials have been working with Peregrine and area hospitals to make sure that people with symptoms are tested and treated and a water treatment program is implemented. Water restrictions have been in effect, Miller said, and .
Peregrine’s operators said last week that they were coordinating with state and local health officials to safeguard residents, staff and visitors. An email seeking additional comment was sent Tuesday to operators of the facility.
An assisted living facility in New York has reported its fourth death in a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of residents in such facilities. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria, which can be found in water systems such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and plumbing systems.
The outbreak at the assisted living facility has prompted health officials to investigate the source of the bacteria and take necessary precautions to prevent further infections. Legionnaires’ disease is typically spread through the inhalation of contaminated water droplets, so it is crucial for facilities to maintain proper water management practices to minimize the risk of exposure.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and headaches. The disease can be particularly dangerous for elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems, making it essential for assisted living facilities to be vigilant in monitoring for any signs of infection.
In response to the outbreak, the assisted living facility has implemented measures to disinfect its water systems and educate staff and residents about the importance of water safety. Health officials are also conducting thorough inspections of the facility to identify any potential sources of Legionella bacteria and ensure that appropriate control measures are in place.
This latest death in the Legionnaires’ disease cluster serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining strict hygiene and sanitation practices in assisted living facilities. It is essential for facilities to have robust infection control protocols in place to protect the health and well-being of their residents.
As investigations continue into the source of the bacteria at the assisted living facility, it is crucial for all stakeholders, including facility management, staff, residents, and health officials, to work together to prevent further infections and ensure the safety of everyone in the facility. By taking proactive measures to address water safety and infection control, assisted living facilities can help mitigate the risk of outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations from potentially deadly diseases like Legionnaires’ disease.
