4 Deaths So Far in Outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease at Peregrine Senior Living Facility

So far there have been four deaths connected to an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker. Several other illnesses are being evaluated.

According to reports, this outbreak is likely one of the most deadly reported outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease in the Capital Region in decades.

A Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit is likely coming to Albany. Here’s what we know so far.

Legionnaires’ Disease at Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker

According to publicly available meeting minutes updating residents and families of the outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at Peregrine Senior Living that took place on September 6, 2024, a few residents began feeling sick the weekend of August 24, 2024.

Peregrine Senior Living

345 Northern Blvd.

Albany, NY 12204

The facility houses around 109 residents.

Due to patient confidentiality, the number of patients who were transferred to hospital “for a variety of changes in conditions, including pneumonia like symptoms” was not disclosed.

However, the facility indicates that confirmed diagnosis of legionellosis wasn’t not communicated to staff until the following week on August 30, 2024, when testing confirmed the Legionnaires’ disease illnesses.

“We learned from the Department of Health last Friday afternoon that some residents from the community tested positive for Legionellosis (8/30/24),” said Kristyn Ganim, Executive Director of Peregrine Shaker to residents and their families. “We immediately started working with both the county and state health department, following all recommended protocols to keep our resident and staff safe at the community.”

Albany County Health Department Assessed Risks for Legionnaires’ Disease at Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker

According to a spokesperson, Albany County health officials performed a preliminary survey of the building to identify potential risk factors for a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak.

Water samples were collected. Preliminary results identified the presence of Legionella bacteria. Culture confirmation will take up to two weeks to return.

Reports indicate the facility does not use a cooling tower, a common vehicle for Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks. The facility uses a closed unit system air conditioning system instead.

There are, however, other ways Legionella bacteria can spread within a facility’s water system.

How is Legionnaires’ Disease Spread?

Legionnaires’ disease is spread when Legionella bacteria that grow naturally in freshwater environments make their way into man-made water systems. Without appropriate sanitation measures in place, the harmful germs can grow to infectious quantities. People become infected when they inhale aerosolized water droplets containing these microscopic pathogens.

These germs are spread by fixtures or facility designs that aerosolize water droplets that are inhaled by those in the area.

Common sources of Legionella bacteria include:

• Hot tubs
• Hot water tanks, and heaters
• Showerheads and sink faucets
• Large, complex plumbing systems
• Decorative fountains and water features
• Plumbing systems under construction (where dead legs may be present)
• Cooling towers (such as those used in large buildings’ air-cooling systems or industrial processes)

Simply walking past a decorative fountain or turning on a showerhead can aerosolize contaminated water, leaving a vulnerable person exposed to the harmful bacteria.

Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker Believes Contamination Source is External, Despite CDC Sources

In a September 5, 2024 press release, Executive Director Ganim indicated the facility’s belief that the source of the Legionella contamination was external in nature.

“…we continue to work in lockstep with both state and county health departments to determine the source of the Legionella exposure, which we believe to be external…”

Even if small, undetectable amounts of Legionella enter the facility through the public water supply, the opportunity to propagate and grow resides within the facility. Some part of their water system likely allows stagnant water to contribute to the issue.

In response, the facility has provided potable water for drinking and handwashing while workers are busy installing monochloramine system filters and performing flushes on all water outlets.

“Unfortunately, we may never know how this got into our water in the first place,” said the press release.

More Illnesses and Deaths Possible

This fourth death is unfortunately still the beginning as healthcare workers continue to monitor patients. Additional cases continue to enter the facility.

Albany County Interim Health Commissioner Maribeth Miller said in a statement that the department has “received notification of two new positive Legionella test results, and continue to follow up pending samples. We are aware of a total of four pneumonia fatalities in connection with this outbreak.”

Legionnaires’ Disease Is a Serious Illness

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious, potentially life-threatening illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that 1 in 20 people exposed to Legionella bacteria will become sick with Legionnaires’ disease. Additionally, 1 in 10 people sick with Legionnaires’ disease will die from complications.

1 in 10 people sick with Legionnaires’ disease will die from complications.

Certain people are more likely to become sick if exposed and experience more severe illness if infections.

Those at higher risk include:

• Adults over 50 years of age
• Current and former smokers
• People with a weakened immune system
• People with chronic lung conditions (such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or emphysema)

Legionnaires’ Disease Symptoms

If you have stayed at or visited Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker, you should monitor yourself for symptoms. Notify your healthcare provider of your potential exposure to ensure appropriate testing is performed in a timely manner.

Legionnaires’ disease cases often go undiagnosed because they present similar symptoms to typical pneumonial illnesses. Even on a chest x-ray, a trained technician may not be able to see the difference.

Specialized laboratory tests are required for an accurate diagnosis. A diagnosis that is important for more pointed treatment with better outcomes.

Common Legionnaires’ disease symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Shortness of breath

Other symptoms may include nausea, diarrhea, and/or confusion.

Have You Been Exposed to Legionnaires’ Disease at Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker?

If you have become sick following exposure to Legionnaires’ disease at Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker in Albany, New York, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Legionnaires’ disease lawyer that can help!

The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully represented Legionnaires’ disease cases just like yours, and they can help you too.

Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free, no obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation and determine if you have a legal case for financial compensation.

By: Heather Van Tassell (Contributing Writer, non-lawyer)