(Source-spectrumlocalnews.com)
A devastating Legionella bacteria outbreak at the Peregrine Shaker Senior Living Community in Albany has claimed the lives of three individuals and left 20 others hospitalized over the past week. The center reported that 10 cases of Legionnaires’ disease were confirmed on Thursday, sparking concern among residents and their families.
Understanding Legionnaires’ Disease: A Silent Threat
Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, poses a significant threat to older adults and those with compromised immune systems. However, health experts have reassured the public that this outbreak is not a widespread public health risk due to its localized nature.
“This is not a transmissible infection; people can’t give it to other people. It’s not something we worry about as a communicable disease,” explained Dr. Alan Sanders, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Albany Medical Center. He further elaborated that the disease typically spreads through environmental sources like water, rather than person-to-person contact.
How Legionella Bacteria Spreads
The Legionella bacteria thrive in water sources, spreading through inhalation of contaminated water droplets. “It’s inhaled through water droplets and aerosolization of the bacteria, so people inhale it, and it sets up shop in the lungs,” said Dr. Sanders. Common sources of Legionella bacteria include cooling towers, air conditioning systems, and showerheads.
Albany County spokesperson Mary Rozak confirmed that Legionella bacteria were found in some water samples at the senior center. The bacteria pose a particular risk to older adults, with about 75% of those who fall ill-being over the age of 50.
Senior Center’s Response and Safety Measures
In response to the outbreak, the Peregrine Shaker facility has taken swift action to mitigate further risk. Water filters have been installed in as many locations as possible, including designated bathing and showering areas, to ensure that residents can safely use the water. Additionally, residents have been provided with bottled water for drinking and hygiene purposes.
Krystin Ganim, the executive director of the Peregrine Shaker Senior Living Community, emphasized the facility’s commitment to safety in a statement: “Since that time, we have installed advanced water filters in as many locations as possible, including in designated bathing and showering locations. We are rapidly sourcing and installing these filters in each of our resident apartments, along with one of the best water source treatment systems available for our entire resident community.”
Ongoing Precautions and the Road to Recovery
Legionnaires’ disease presents a range of symptoms, including respiratory issues, headaches, fevers, and gastrointestinal problems. Fortunately, the disease is typically treatable with antibiotics, and efforts are underway to ensure the safety of residents at the senior center.
Dr. Sanders emphasized the importance of ongoing vigilance, advising the facility to conduct repeated water testing to confirm that the bacteria have been eradicated. He also urged residents to be cautious around standing water, particularly in older buildings with outdated plumbing systems.
As the community continues to navigate this difficult time, the focus remains on preventing further legionella bacteria cases and ensuring the health and safety of all residents at the Peregrine Shaker Senior Living Community.
