Orange County Health Care Agency Reports Seven Confirmed Cases of Legionnaires’ Disease in Westminster

Reports of seven confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Westminster prompts local health authority to issue public warning.

Here’s what we know about the recent uptick of Legionnaires’ disease in Westminster and what it means for residents and businesses in the area.

Orange County Health Care Agency Reports Uptick of Legionnaires’ Disease in Westminster

The Orange County Health Care Agency issued a Press Release on November 20, 2024, warning area residents and visitors of a recent uptick in confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Westminster.

The agency has launched an investigation and deployed their Disease Control and Epidemiology team, along with Environmental Health Services to help identify the source of infection. Cooling towers, pools, spas, and other area water sources are being checked.

Area of Concern

The area of concern for this Legionnaires’ disease in Westminster investigation appears to be in the northwest corner of the area.

The Orange County Health Care Agency has identified the area between Bolsa Chica Road to Goldenwest Street and State Route 22 to Bolsa Avenue.

Historical Reports of Legionnaires’ Disease in Westminster and Orange County

Over the past five years, reports of Legionnaires’ disease have been steadily increasing. In 2019, the area agency received 66 confirmed cases. This increased by nearly 30% in 2023. It appears that 2024 data will surpass the previous year.

66 Cases in 2019

92 Cases in 2023

82 Cases SO FAR in 2024

Unfortunately, this uptick is not just limited to Legionnaires’ disease in Westminster and Orange County. According to the Press Release, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also noted a marked increase of Legionnaires’ disease across the country in the past 12 months.

What is Legionnaires’ Disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by a bacteria called Legionella. Infection with Legionella causes a type of pneumonia-like illness when the bacteria make their way into the lungs.

These microscopic germs often live in natural water environments like lakes, streams, and rivers. In these environments, infection is rare. For these cases, it is generally caused by aspirating water into the lungs while in the water.

The Legionnaires’ disease most people think of happens when these bacteria grow in man-made water systems. Especially those with the potential to aerosolize water droplets into the air.

This is because those aerosolized droplets are small enough to inhale into the lungs, but large enough for bacteria to hitch a ride.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 20 people exposed to Legionella bacteria will become sick.

Is Legionnaires’ Disease Contagious?

Fortunately, Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious. In fact, person-to-person transmission almost never happens.

What Are Some Common Sources of Legionnaires’ Disease?

Any water system application that aerosolizes or mists water can potentially spread Legionnaires’ disease.

The most common sources of Legionnaires’ disease that spread 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 in large buildings’ air-cooling systems or industrial processes)

Can Legionnaires’ Disease Be Prevented?

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), domestic hot water systems are frequently identified as the source of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks. This includes “lavatories, showers, and drinking fountains in commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential settings.”

Fortunately, Legionella bacteria growth in these high-risk areas can be prevented with water management programs. Programs designed to effectively prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria.

Effective programs should include design, maintenance, and routine cleaning/disinfection as key components of Legionella control measures.

Water System Maintenance

Effective water system maintenance prevents scale buildup and prevents biofilms that Legionella bacteria thrive on. Maintaining records of these activities helps track effectiveness of these processes.

Periodic Biocide Treatment

While Legionella bacteria are hearty germs and survive many commonly used disinfectants, certain biocide approaches have shown to work against the germ.

Halogen oxidizers, like compounds containing chlorine and bromine, ozone, peroxides, and non-oxidizing biocides, when used properly, can control Legionella bacterial growth.

Ultraviolet light and ultrasonic waves have also been shown to be effective against Legionella bacteria under certain conditions.

Who is At Greater Risk of Infection?

Anyone exposed to Legionella bacteria can become infected and sick with Legionnaires’ disease. However, certain groups of people are more vulnerable to infection.

As with most illnesses, those with a weakened immune system are at greater risk of becoming sick if exposed.

Those who smoke or have smoked in the past, as well as people with chronic lung conditions are also more likely to become sick if exposed. Conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and emphysema put people at greater risk.

Age can sometimes be a factor. People over 50 years of age are also in the higher risk category.

Orange County Health Care Agency Issues Warning to Residents and Medical Providers

While the agency explains that the risk to those who visit or live in the Westminster area is somewhat small, they recommend that “individuals who live and work in this area and who become ill with pneumonia-like illness visit their healthcare provider and discuss this advisory.”

Common Legionnaires’ disease symptoms include:

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

While not as common, other symptoms may include nausea, diarrhea, and/or confusion.

Most of the time, symptoms begin within two weeks of exposure. Though in some cases, symptoms onset could be as early as two days or as late as several weeks following exposure.

Legionnaires’ disease can be difficult to diagnose. This is because symptoms are nearly indistinguishable from other types of pneumonia. Legionnaires’ disease can be more easily treated with specific antibiotics and treatment protocols, so accurate diagnosis is key to faster recovery.

Have You Become Sick with Legionnaires’ Disease and Live, Work, or Have Visited the Westminster Area?

If you have become sick following exposure to Legionnaires’ disease in Westminster in Orange County, 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. Legionnaires’ disease is a completely preventable illness often occurring due to lapses in sanitation protocols or other preventative measures.

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)