Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Legionella,Legionnaire's disease,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on February 4, 2026
A patient at Bronson Medical Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan has been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease after being treated at the facility. Bronson officials say that they are investigating the potential exposure with several medical officials to better understand the situation.
What is Legionnaires’ disease and how bad is it? Why is a single confirmed illness at a hospital a big deal? How do you know if you have Legionnaires’ disease and what should you do if you start feeling symptoms?
Here’s what we know about the Bronson Medical Hospital Legionnaires’ disease case so far.
A confirmed case of Legionnaires’ disease has been reported in a patient treated at Bronson Medical Hospital. At this time, the hospital believes that the exposure was an isolated event.
The patient was diagnosed with the potentially deadly infection on New Year’s Eve and was treated for that illness.
Notifications to hospital staff and patients discharged between December 24, 2025 and January 8, 2026 were sent out. So far, no other reports have been brought forward.
In the meantime, several precautionary measures have been put into place as the facility continues to investigate.
Bronson Medical Hospital says that these measures will remain in place until the water is confirmed safe.
While hospital leaders and health officials continue to work on identifying the source of the infection, Hospital officials say that the risk of exposure to others is low.
Legionnaires’ disease, pronounced (LEE-juh-nares) is a type of lung infection (pneumonia) caused by Legionella bacteria. These bacteria can be found in natural, freshwater environments. However, in this habitat, they generally do not grow to sufficient numbers to cause disease.
This is not so true for man-made water systems, which provide a great breeding ground for these bad bugs.
People become sick with Legionnaires’ disease after inhaling tiny droplets of water containing Legionella bacteria. In nature, this microorganism finds a home in amoebae and protozoa (small one-celled organisms). These cells look quite similar to the alveolar microphages present in the lungs. The bacteria mistake the alveolar microphages for their natural host and infect the human body when given the opportunity.
Certain man-made water systems make great homes for Legionella bacteria. These environments allow them to grow and thrive into infectious numbers and provide an outlet for them to aerosolize into water droplets in the air.
Common sources include:
Hospitals and long-term care facilities too! Hotels, resorts, and cruise ships often have some or all of these risk factors.
Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious. So why is a single confirmed case at this hospital such a big deal?
There are a few different reasons.
First, many people at a hospital have increased risk factors for Legionnaires’ disease. In fact, they may already be at the hospital being treated for those issues.
People at increased risk include:
Around 20% of people exposed to Legionella bacteria will become sick. Then, 10% of the people that contract the illness will die. In a hospital setting, this mortality rate increases to 25%.
If you have been exposed to Legionnaires’ disease at Bronson Medical Hospital, you should monitor symptoms for at least 2 weeks after your potential exposure.
Common symptoms include typical pneumonia symptoms like acute onset of lower respiratory illness with fever and/or cough.
Other symptoms may include:
As you may have noticed, these symptoms are consistent with any number of other illnesses. For this reason, Legionnaires’ disease is often undiagnosed. Specific laboratory tests are necessary to accurately diagnose the infection.
Studies have even found that the actual number of Legionnaires’ disease cases could be as much as 1.8 to 2.7 times higher than what is actually reported. Leaving many people with inadequate treatment and unnecessary extended illness.
If you experience Legionnaires’ disease symptoms, notify your healthcare provider. Prompt medical care and indicating potential exposure risks can expedite specific treatment for Legionnaires’ disease. This could dramatically impact your outcome for recovery.
It is also a good idea to get advice from an experienced Legionnaires’ disease Lawyer.
If you have become sick with Legionnaires’ disease after working, visiting, or being treated at Bronson Medical Hospital, consider contacting a Legionnaires’ disease lawyer.
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, visitors, and staff 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)