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A case of Legionnaires’ disease at HutsonWood Senior Care facility prompts a Clay County Health Department investigation. Both the Health Department and the facility are holding information tightly.
Here’s what we know about the situation.
WTHI-TV 10, a local news station for the Brazil, Indiana area, exposed a news story involving a case of Legionnaires’ disease and a local Senior Care facility on August 28, 2024.
According to the reporter, one individual staying at HustonWood Senior Care facility was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease and taken away from the facility. Presumably for treatment at a hospital nearby.
The Clay County Health Department is not sharing information about this case of Legionnaires’ disease at HustsonWood Senior Care.
Other than indicating that the County Health Department is cooperating with the Indiana Department of Health, and there is no reason for any serious concern at this point, the investigation is not releasing details.
Neither Clay County Health Department, nor Indiana Department of Health have public alert, news, or press release information published on the matter.
The HutsonWood Senior Care facility is also not sharing information about the status of the facility, how widespread the problem is, or if this is an isolated case.
It is unclear if families of residents have been made aware of the situation.
Based on the available information, it is unclear which facility is involved in the Legionnaires’ disease illness.
HutsonWood Senior Care offers:
services.
The facility operates out of two locations. The Skilled Nursing facility located at 501 S. Murphy Ave, Brazil, Indiana and the Assisted Living facility located at 503 Murphy Ave, Brazil, Indiana.
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by inhaling Legionella bacteria suspended in aerosolized water droplets.
While this bacterium is naturally occurring in freshwater environments (lakes, streams, etc.), they can also grow in human-made water systems.
This is where the problem begins.
Certain human-made water systems are perfect vehicles for growing and spreading harmful Legionella bacteria.
The following human-made water systems are at higher risk for spreading Legionella bacteria:
Car and home air-conditioning system are not a risk for Legionella growth as they do not use water to cool the air. Most cases of Legionnaires’ disease involve hot tubs and cooling towers.
Even more rare, but possible, people may become infected by drinking water contaminated with Legionella bacteria if it accidentally reaches someone’s lungs after it is swallowed.
Fortunately, Legionnaires’ disease is NOT contagious.
Only in extremely rare circumstances has person-to-person transmission been reported.
Nearly all cases of Legionnaires’ disease link back to contaminated water systems.
Most healthy individuals exposed to Legionella bacteria do not become sick. Certain groups, like those staying in HutsonWood Senior Care facility, are more susceptible to illness. These individuals are also more likely to experience more serious symptoms.
Higher risk groups include:
Legionnaires’ disease is an often underdiagnosed illness. This is because symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are very similar to other types of pnumonial illnesses. In fact, Legionnaires’ disease is often indistinguishable from regular pneumonia, even on a chest x-ray.
Specialized tests are required for an accurate diagnosis.
Common symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include:
These symptoms usually begin around 2 to 14 days after exposure. However, in some cases, illness may take longer to present.
Other symptoms may include diarrhea, nausea, and/or confusion.
Legionnaires’ disease symptoms are very serious! For 1 in 10 individuals with Legionnaires’ disease will die from complication of their illness.
Legionnaires’ disease can be treated with normal pneumonia treatments. However accurate diagnosis is key for recovery.
Specialized treatment protocols specifically for Legionella bacterial infections will aid in faster recovery and much better outcomes.
While the Clay County Health Department is not discussing details about the case of Legionnaires’ disease at HutsonWood Senior Care, they did offer a warning.
The department advises that if you have left your home in the last two weeks and have sudden respiratory symptoms, it might be a good idea to visit a doctor.
If you or a family member has visited or stayed at HustsonWood Senior Care facility and has been impacted by Legionnaires’ disease, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Legionnaires’ disease lawyer that can help.
Legionnaires’ disease is an easily preventable illness. Basic disinfection protocols prevent the buildup and spread of harmful Legionella bacteria. Lapses in these procedures leave residents and visitors vulnerable to breathing in contaminated water droplets.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully represented many families with cases just like yours. Their Legionnaires’ disease lawyer has won millions of dollars in Legionnaires’ disease cases throughout the country.
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free, no obligation consultation. A member of our compassionate team will go over the details of your situation to determine if you have a legal case.
Don’t wait. Call today!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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