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 April 14, 2026
Colonial Vista Post Acute in Wenatchee, Washington announced on their social media the facility had a Legionella bacteria detection and that the problem has been resolved. However, an initial announcement was not made on their page. Is there a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at the facility?
What is Legionnaires’ disease and why is it so dangerous in this type of facility? How do you know if you have it and what should you do if you begin experiencing symptoms?
Here’s what we know so far about Legionnaires’ disease at the Colonial Vista Post Acute skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility.
On April 6, 2026, the Colonial Vista Post Acute Facebook page announced a Legionella bacteria detection.
“Colonial Vista Post Acute prioritizes the care and safety of our patients and staff above all else. When higher than normal traces of Legionella were found in our water supply over a month ago, we immediately notified the Local Health Jurisdiction, activated our Water Management Plan for residents and staff, and put a thorough Treatment Plan (prescribed by the Chelan Douglas Health District) into motion.
The water has been treated, special filters have been placed on taps and other water sources, and the WA DOH and Local Health Jurisdiction conducted an Environmental Assessment to ensure the water is safe to use, as well as continued water safety measures. All safety measures have been followed and met, and Colonial Vista Post Acute is taking all the prescribed steps, including partnering with the Chelan Douglas Health Officer, to handle this matter effectively, safely, and quickly. Neither residents nor staff are in any danger — residents are showering, bathing, drinking, and using ice machines as normal, and the Chelan Douglas Health District is managing the prescribed standard monitoring period with Colonial Vista’s partnership and cooperation.”
Reports indicate that water remediation efforts began mid-March. A source says that, in coordination with the health district, state Department of Health, and the Colonial Vista Post Acute facility leadership, chemical water treatment began on March 16, 2026.
It is unclear if there are any current cases of Legionnaires’ disease in patients at Colonial Vista Post Acute or if there have been any recent cases of the illness. That information has not been made public.
This is due to the small number of residents at the facility and/or the small number of those afflicted. A statistical statement known as “non-zero counts below 10” was used in statements. Indicating that if the true number of cases were announced, the information could be used to identify the affected indivisuals. Which could constitute a breach of privacy.
But is/was there a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at Colonial Vista Post Acute?
According to the facility?
No.
A representative of Colonial Vista indicated that there was no outbreak or cases of Legionnaires’ disease at the facility.
However, Chelan and Douglas County health district did confirm the presence of a current outbreak at Colonial Vista. For similar reasons (patient confidentiality), and the fact that the situation is part of an ongoing investigation, the exact number of cases could not be disclosed.
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by inhaling microscopic Legionella bacteria. This happens when these microbes become suspended in aerosolized water droplets and are inhaled.
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.
According to Colonial Vista Post Acute, Legionella bacteria was found in the facility’s water system. But what are some of the other common ways these bacteria spread to humans?
While Legionella exposure can be serious. When it happens in a medical facility, the risk of infection and death increases.
First, many people at a medical facility like Colonial Vista Post Acute skilled nursing and rehabilitation 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:
Risk of Mortality Increases to 25% in a Medical Setting
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 Legionella bacteria at Colonial Vista Post Acute, it is a good idea to monitor for Legionnaires’ disease symptoms.
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 Colonial Vista Post Acute 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)