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 August 11, 2026
Country Lane Gardens Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is at the center of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak investigation. Eight people have been hospitalized so far. Unlike the Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks in New York City, this outbreak appears to be related to the plumbing system between the facilities well and the fixtures within the building.
Here’s what we know so far about the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at Country Lanes Gardens Rehabilitation and Nursing Center so far!
At least eight cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been confirmed since July 29, 2026. All required hospitalization. All with a connection to Country Lane Gardens Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Thronville, Ohio.
Some sick individuals have been released from Fairfield Medical Center. However, the number of those still hospitalized has not been disclosed.
No deaths have been associated with this outbreak so far.
In addition to cases having a strong connection to a specific location, these cases represent a significantly higher than average number of Legionnaires’ disease illnesses for the county.
The Fairfield County Health Department typically sees one to two sporadic Legionnaires’ disease cases throughout the year. Eight being reported within a week is concerning.
The private water system appears to be the source of the Legionnaires’ disease illnesses at Country Lane Gardens.
This was initially investigated based on certain epidemiological evidence. First, the cases appear to be limited to a single facility. Second, exposure seems to be limited to around one week.
This facility does not use public water. Instead, they have a well specifically used for the property. The working theory involves contamination somewhere between the well and point of use. Not the well itself.
Instead, it is believed that the Legionella bacteria contaminating the water system are likely within the building’s plumbing infrastructure. Probably fueled by warm water conditions and potentially inadequate disinfectant residual, which can allow for biofilm accumulation and growth of Legionella bacteria.
For those who have not encountered this, there is a difference between a well water source and public water source.
Well water is obtained by drilling down to the water table and using a pump to obtain water for a residence or a facility. This water is often stored in tanks onsite. Filters are often used on these systems to remove minerals and other adulterants in the water.
Most people who live in a city use a public water source. This involves water treated and distributed by the municipal water system. It is often chlorinated and fluorinated.
The reason this Legionnaires’ disease is particularly serious is its location and those infected. While normally healthy people often do not become sick when exposed to Legionella bacteria, around one in 20 will become ill.
It is a deadly infection. One in 10 people with Legionnaires’ disease die. When the illnesses is contracted in a medical facility, the risk increases to one in four.
1 in 20 People Get Sick After Exposure
1 in 10 People with Legionnaires’ Disease Die
1 in 4 People Contracting Legionnaires’ Disease in a Health Care Facility Die
Joe Ebel, Fairfield County health commissioner explains that the concern increases in facilities like Country Lane Gardens.
“The general healthy population a lot of times isn’t going to notice that they have inhaled some legionella bacteria but for people that aren’t healthy to begin with it can be a real problem,” he said. “It’s a real concern in long-term care settings where you do have people who have weakened immune systems or people with cancer or on medications that can suppress their immune systems or have existing respiratory issues.”
In this case, the mean age of residents is 65 years, have underlying immunosuppression, respiratory disease, and/or cancer. Placing residents in this facility at the highest end of the risk spectrum.
So, what exactly is being done about this Legionella situation?
If you or a relative have visited or stayed at Country Lane Gardens Rehabilitation and Nursing Center it is a good idea to monitor for symptoms? Only specialized laboratory tests can properly diagnose the illness, but if you begin experiencing symptoms consistent with Legionnaires’ disease, see your health care provider right away!
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.
If you have been exposed to Legionnaires’ disease at Country Lane Gardens Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, you should monitor yourself for symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease.
Most people become sick around two weeks after exposure. But every person’s body is different.
If you begin to experience symptoms, prompt action is needed.
Not everyone experiences serious illness, but the risk for serious illness is high.
If you are experiencing Legionnaires’ disease symptoms, a diagnostic test will confirm your illness. This test is necessary for appropriate treatment and to better understand your illness.
Legionnaires’ disease can be serious. Even life-threatening. If you have become sick with Legionnaires’ disease at Country Lane Gardens Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, your illness was likely completely preventable. An experienced Legionnaires’ disease Lawyer can help answer questions you may have about how to proceed.
If you or a family member has visited or stayed at Country Lane Gardens 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, 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.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)