Updated September 6, 2024: Dreyer Boyajian LLP filed a class action lawsuit in the Albany County Supreme Court against Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker on behalf of a resident who contracted Legionnaires’ Disease as a result of an outbreak of Legionella at the facility, causing three deaths to date. Dreyer Boyajian LLP is seeking to certify a class of persons who resided at or visited Peregrine Shaker and suffered Legionellosis related illness caused by exposure to the facility’s water systems.
Dreyer Boyajian LLP has initiated legal action in Albany County Supreme Court, filing a class action lawsuit on behalf of a resident who became ill with Legionnaires’ Disease. The lawsuit alleges that the illness was caused by a Legionella outbreak at Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker. The firm is seeking to certify a class of individuals who lived at or visited the facility and suffered from Legionella-related illness due to exposure to its water systems.
Three individuals who tested positive for Legionella at the Peregrine Shaker facility have now died, according to the Albany County Department of Health Commissioner. The deaths are among a growing number of serious cases associated with the outbreak.
As of September 5th, ten people have tested positive for Legionnaires’ Disease, and twenty have been hospitalized. Water samples from Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker tested positive for Legionella. In response, the facility is reportedly installing water filters while the New York State and Albany County health departments continue their investigation.
Legionnaires’ Disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water vapor contaminated with Legionella bacteria. It cannot be spread from person to person. Infection most commonly results from exposure to improperly maintained water systems.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease include coughing, shortness of breath, high fever, chills, muscle aches, and headaches. Some individuals may also experience diarrhea, nausea, and confusion. These symptoms typically begin within 2 to 10 days of exposure. While most people recover with antibiotic treatment, the disease can be fatal in approximately 10% of cases. Those with weakened immune systems, a history of smoking, or chronic respiratory conditions are at increased risk.
Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water environments and can contaminate systems such as hot water heaters, tanks, pools, hot tubs, humidifiers, cooling towers, and plumbing. Without proper maintenance, these systems can become breeding grounds for the bacteria, which then spread through mist or vapor.
Preventing Legionnaires’ Disease requires routine maintenance, proper training, and regular testing of water systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers comprehensive resources and guidance for building owners and operators to minimize risk and control potential outbreaks.
As the investigation into the Peregrine Shaker outbreak continues, health officials are working with the facility to mitigate further spread. Water filters are being installed, and the source of contamination is under active review by state and county health departments.
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