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 2, 2026
At least twelve people have contracted the deadly waterborne illness, Legionnaires’ disease, in Ector County. Two people have died. The Make Food Safe Blog reported on a similar uptick in Legionnaires’ disease cases last Summer. Could these outbreaks be related?
What could be causing these Legionnaires’ disease illnesses? What should residents be looking out for? Do you know what to do if you start to show symptoms?
Here’s what we know so far about this deadly Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Ector County so far.
Ector County Health Department issued a Health Alert for residents and health care providers on January 27, 2026. According to the Alert, “The Ector County Health Department has identified twelve laboratory-confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease among residents of Ector County.”
These cases began popping up in mid-November. However, reports increased significantly in late December 2025 and early January 2026.
What could be causing this Legionnaires’ disease situation?
There have been no confirmed reports of a specific source for these Legionnaires’ disease illnesses so far. So, let’s take a look at some of the more common sources of this pneumonia-like illness.
Legionnaires’ disease, unlike other respiratory illnesses, is not contagious. You do not get it from other sick people. Instead, Legionnaires’ disease is contracted by breathing in airborne Legionella bacteria. These bacteria become airborne when it is aerosolized into mists.
While this bacterium is naturally occurring in freshwater environments (lakes, streams, etc.), they can also grow in human-made water systems.
This is where it becomes a problem. Especially in high-risk areas like retirement communities or hospitals.
Certain human-made water systems are better suited for growing and spreading harmful Legionella bacteria than others. Those that create a mist or hold stagnant water rank higher on the list.
Common Human-Made Water Systems at Risk for Spreading Legionella Bacteria:
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. This happens when water “goes down the wrong hole” or in cases of near drowning.
In the Summer of 2025, at least 11 people fell sick with this same bacterial lung infection. It is unclear if a source for that outbreak was ever discovered.
Could this new outbreak be related to the summer outbreak? Or are we looking at another problem entirely?
As information from sick people’s daily lives (where they have visited and stayed) becomes available, a better picture may form with potential overlaps between sick patients.
For now, residents of Ector County should remain vigilant and monitor themselves for symptoms. Particularly those who are at higher risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease if exposed.
Most healthy individuals exposed to Legionella bacteria do not become sick. Certain groups are more susceptible to illness. These individuals are also more likely to experience more serious symptoms.
Those at higher risk include:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 20 people exposed to Legionnaires’ disease will become sick. 1 in 10 with Legionnaires’ disease will die from complications of their illness. In a health care setting like this, this risk elevates to 1 in 4.
Most people with Legionnaires’ disease are never diagnosed with this illness. This is because symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are very similar to other types of pneumonia 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.
So, what should you do if you begin experiencing symptoms consistent with Legionnaires’ disease?
First, you will want to seek medical attention right away and get tested for Legionella infection. A diagnostic test will confirm your illness. This test is necessary for appropriate treatment and to better understand your illness.
The Health Alert advised local health care providers the specific laboratory tests needed.
Next, you will want to get some advice.
Legionnaires’ disease can be serious. Even life-threatening. If you have become sick with Legionnaires’ disease in Ector County, your illness was preventable. An experienced Legionnaires’ disease Lawyer can help answer questions you may have about how to proceed.
If you have recently been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease in Ector County, you may have a legal case if your illness was caused by negligence in water sanitation.
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially deadly illness that can require extensive hospitalization. Medical bills and other expenses associated with the burden of Legionnaires’ disease illness add up.
An experienced Legionnaires’ disease Lawyer can help you navigate this difficult process and help you receive financial compensation for your illness.
If you wish to pursue a legal claim for financial compensation, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help. Call (833) 330-3663 or send us 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.
Call today to get the help and justice you deserve!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)