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A case of Legionnaires’ disease in Salem at a city-run long-term care facility in Ohio is under investigation. This information was brought to light at a Board of Health meeting.
Brief details about the situation and the ongoing problem of the understaffed housing inspector position were discussed.
Here’s what we know about the situation.
During the Salem City Health District Board of Health Meeting, a Public Health Nurse briefed the room on a confirmed case of Legionnaires’ disease.
The patient is a resident within one of the city’s long-term care facilities.
At this time, the illness is isolated to a single resident of the facility.
The Public Health nurse indicated to the meeting attendees that the Department is actively investigating potential source of the infection.
“We’re investigating the source of it, but the interview that I did showed that it did come from within the city. So right now, we have eight water samples out – five holding tanks, kitchen water, patient room water, and ambient air.”
Unfortunately, the air conditioner in the patient’s room could not be tested because the unit had been recently serviced. No sample was obtained for testing.
The investigation also revealed that the facility had been “experiencing plumbing issues.” These issues included sewer backup into the affected resident’s room. While that issue has been corrected, investigators indicate this could be another possible source of infection.
The facility and Public Health are working with the State Health Department on this investigation.
The facility has been battling with an understaffed housing inspector position. This reduced workforce may have contributed to problems in the facility.
According to conversations in the meeting, the current position is only part-time. The existing housing inspector is not willing to take on the position full time. This leaves a second part-time position available in the budget.
The second position, with part-time hours, has not been able to attract willing candidates.
Many good candidates were interested in the position; however, none accepted the position under part-time hours. Many indicated they would be interested in coming on if the position was full time.
The board approved adding another full-time position to the facility in order to better maintain the facility.
Could understaffing in the housing inspector position contributed to Legionnaires’ disease in Salem long-term care facility?
Perhaps.
Legionnaires’ disease, pronounced LEE-juh-nares, is a serious type of pneumonial illness caused by breathing in small droplets of contaminated water containing harmful Legionella bacteria.
These bacteria can be found in freshwater environments like lakes and streams. The real threat to human safety happens when the bacteria grows and spreads within man-made building water systems.
Certain water systems pose an increased risk for growing and spreading Legionella bacteria.
These include:
Each of these systems either create a perfect environment for the bacteria to grow or a means for water to aerosolize into the air where it can be breathed in by the unsuspecting human.
Fortunately, Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious.
Person-to-person transmission nearly never happens. People become sick by breathing in water droplets containing the bacteria. This is often from large water systems.
However, in some rare cases, people have become infected by aspirating (accidently breathing in fluid) while drinking contaminated water. Those who are at risk of aspiration may be at greater risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease in this way.
Legionnaires’ disease can be easily prevented with routine disinfection processes. These processes are often outlined by local health authorities for buildings with high-risk fixtures, such as cooling towers.
Routine testing for Legionella bacteria also allows for prompt remediation when a problem arises to prevent widespread contamination when routine disinfection practices fail.
It is unclear whether lapses were observed at the facility that may have contributed to the patient’s illness.
Legionnaires’ disease symptoms are very similar to those of regular pneumonia. In fact, it often is indistinguishable on a chest x-ray.
Common symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches. Those with Legionnaires’ disease may also experience diarrhea, nausea, and confusion.
Most people begin experiencing respiratory symptoms within two weeks of exposure (two to 14 days). However, illness onset may be longer in certain cases.
Legionnaires’ disease is a very serious illness. Cases like Legionnaires’ disease in Salem long-term care facility may be fatal. A startling 1 in 10 people infected with the bacterium will die from complication of their illness.
Effective Legionnaires’ disease treatment requires accurate Legionnaires’ disease diagnosis. Specialized diagnostic tests to identify a Legionella bacterial infection are necessary for proper diagnosis. Typical treatment for pneumonia may work after an extended period. However, specific treatment for Legionnaires’ disease will offer much better results.
It is not clear whether or not the Legionnaires’ disease case could have been prevented by having a full-time housing inspector position. However, understaffing can contribute to lapses in safety protocols and increased response time that can negatively impact long-term care residents’ health.
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one about Legionnaires’ disease in Salem Long-Term Care Facility and have questions, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help.
The experienced Legionnaires’ disease lawyer can help you determine if you have a legal case for financial compensation. Call (833) 330-3663 or fill out the online submission form to reach a member of our compassionate team in a free, no obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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