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.
Three people who tested positive for Legionella, also known as Legionnaire’s Disease, at Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker in Albany, New York, have now died, according to the Commissioner of the Albany County Department of Health. According to local officials, water samples from the facility tested positive for Legionella; and as of September 5th, twenty people have been hospitalized and ten have tested positive for the disease. Reports indicated that water filters are being installed at the facility while the New York State and Albany County health departments continue to investigate the outbreak.
Legionnaire’s disease is a respiratory infection caused by Legionella bacteria that causes severe pneumonia. Legionnaire’s disease cannot be transmitted by person-to-person contact. Infection generally results from inhaling water mists that contain the bacteria. Legionella bacteria can contaminate water systems that have not been properly maintained, such as hot water heaters and tanks, hot tubs and pools, shower heads, humidifiers, fountains, cooling equipment, and plumbing systems.
Legionnaire’s is a serious, life-threatening infection. Symptoms of the disease include coughing, shortness of breath, high fever, chills, muscle aches, and headaches. Diarrhea, nausea, and confusion may also occur. Symptoms generally begin within 2 to 10 days after exposure. While most people recover with antibiotic treatment, hospitalization is common, and the disease is fatal in ten percent of cases. Certain people are at greater risk of infection, including those with a history of smoking, compromised immune systems, asthma, chronic lung disease, or obstructive pulmonary disease.
Proper education, training, maintenance, and testing of water sources and equipment are critical for preventing and controlling Legionella colonization in water systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers informative prevention and maintenance guidance resources for building and recreational water system owners and operators.
