A New York assisted living and memory care community at the center of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak that killed three people is working closely with county and state health officials to determine and mitigate the source of the bacteria as it faces a lawsuit.
Albany County health officials became aware of a cluster of cases at Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker in Albany on Aug. 30 after 10 people tested positive for the disease, including the three people who later died. Two of the three people who died had been hospitalized for other health issues. As of Friday, 25 people had been hospitalized in association with the outbreak, according to the Albany County Department of Health.
The county health department and the New York State Health Department took water samples. Legionella bacteria was found to be present in some samples, and further testing is being conducted. Peregrine installed water filters so that some showers and bathrooms were available for use, according to an Albany County health department spokeswoman.
Legionella bacteria can naturally occur in water. Legionnaires’ disease primarily is contracted by inhaling mists or droplets containing the bacteria, such as in showers or hot tubs. It is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person because it is not a communicable disease, according to the health department spokesperson, who added there is no threat to the community at large.
Symptoms can include cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The key to preventing Legionnaires’ disease, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is to reduce the risk of Legionella growth and spread. Water management programs that effectively prevent Legionella growth in water systems rely on control and prevention measures, including good system design, proper facility and equipment maintenance, and routine cleaning and disinfection, according to OSHA.
Class action lawsuit filed
A resident who contracted the disease as a result of the outbreak on Friday filed a class action lawsuit in Albany County Supreme Court against the community and its operator, ATR New York LH; owner Shaker Owner LLC; and manager Peregrine Health Management Co.
The legal action claims that the community did not properly maintain the premises and its water systems, did not properly train and supervise employees responsible for maintaining the property’s water systems, and did not use preventive maintenance practices. The lawsuit alleges “intentional, willful, wanton, illegal and done with conscious and deliberate disregard for the health, safety and rights” of residents.
Peregrine Senior Living had not responded to requests for comment from McKnight’s Senior Living as of the production deadline.
