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 January 4, 2026
Three patient deaths uncovered as The Christ Hospital and health official investigate the source of Legionnaires’ disease at the facility.
In November, news outlets exposed a growing situation.
An unknown source of Legionella bacteria that was connected to at least two patients at The Christ Hospital. Now, more have been connected to this deadly bacterium.
What is causing these deaths at the Christ Hospital? Why is this germ so dangerous, especially in a hospital location? Where does Legionella come from? What should you do if you or a loved one gets sick?
Follow along as we update you on new information about Legionnaires’ disease deaths at The Christ Hospital.
In November, the Make Food Safe Blog announced to our reader of a troubling development in Cincinnati, Ohio. At the time, the 555 bed hospital reported two patients falling sick within the same type of Legionnaires’ disease infection within six weeks of each other.
At the time, we asked, “Did these patients become sick with this atypical pneumonia illness at the hospital? Or did they get it somewhere else and the illness was discovered during their stay?”
We still do not have definitive answers.
In November the hospital issued a statement. “While the exact source of exposure for these individuals is currently unknown, The Christ Hospital immediately initiated additional environmental testing protocols to identify any potential hospital-related sources and ensure maximum levels of safety.”
However, continued investigation by state and local health investigators has provided more evidence. Along with it, more deaths at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati.
During the investigation, leaders of The Christ Hospital reported that they have identified six cases of “Legionella pneumonia.” Another term for Legionnaires’ disease. This same source indicated that three of those patients have died. The source hinted at underlying medical conditions. Which rather than a cause, just makes a patient more susceptible to infection and serious complications.
Not everyone who is exposed to Legionella bacteria will become sick. Most normally healthy individuals will not become infected. However, certain groups of people are at higher risk of infection if exposed.
Higher risk groups include:
Further complicating matters is the incidence involving a hospital setting.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 20 people exposed to Legionella bacteria will become sick. Even more concerning is the mortality rate.
Statistically, 1 in 10 will die. In a health care setting like these Deaths at the Christ Hospital, the risk elevates to 1 in 4.
There are several reasons for this.
First, people being hospitalized are often very sick. A decreased immune system leaves the body more susceptible to any number of illnesses. Including Legionnaires’ disease. These people are also more likely to posses one or more of the risk factors, putting them in a higher risk group.
Additionally, breathing equipment can introduce harmful airborne germs directly into the lungs. Aerosolized water from a handwash sink in the room can send Legionella bacteria straight into the breathing systems. Giving the germs a perfect pathway into the lungs.
But where do these germs come from anyway?
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by inhaling microscopic Legionella bacteria. This often happens when these bacteria contaminate a water supply and become suspended in aerosolized water droplets. Something like water mist.
Inhaling this mist can move these waterborne bacteria into your lungs where they can cause infection.
While this bacterium is naturally occurring in freshwater environments (lakes, streams, etc.), they can also grow in human-made water systems.
In fact, that is how most Legionnaires’ disease infections take place.
Human-made water systems.
Certain human-made water systems are better suited for growing and spreading harmful Legionella bacteria. But anything that generates a fine mist or spray can spread bacteria.
Common sources of Legionnaires’
In addition to cooling towers and hot water tanks, some of the more uncommon sources can be found in hospitals. Ventilators, humidifiers, and other breathing devices.
A contributing factor for the growing concern surrounding the Legionnaires’ disease deaths The Christ Hospital has reported.
If you have stayed, worked, or have visited The Christ Hospital, there are a few symptoms to look out for.
While severity of symptoms can vary from person to person, symptoms to look out for include:
Other Symptoms may include:
Most people begin feeling sick between two and 14 days after exposure. However, it can take longer for symptoms to appear in some cases.
If you become sick with pneumonia or flu-like symptoms after working at, visiting, or staying at The Christ Hospital, you may have Legionnaires’ disease.
If you have become sick with pneumonia-like illness, seek medical attention immediately.
Legionnaires’ disease can be deadly. Do not wait!
Request a diagnostic test for Legionnaires’ disease. If you test positive for this illness, your local health department will be notified following your diagnosis. Someone may contact you about your illness to ask questions that may help narrow down a source.
A definitive source of this Legionnaires’ disease cluster has not been officially announced.
For this reason, it is important to make a list of the places that you have been in the weeks prior to becoming sick. The earlier that you can make this list, the more complete and accurate it will be. Have it ready in case you are asked for it.
This information is important, in that it could narrow or expand the scope of this Legionnaires’ disease investigation and help prevent further spread of this deadly infection.
If you have become sick after visiting Crunch Fitness in Ocoee or the Ocoee area, you may have questions. An experienced Legionnaires’ disease lawyer understands your situation and can assist you through the complicated legal process.
If you wish to pursue a legal claim for financial compensation to cover medical expenses, lost work, caring for a loved one, or other burdens associated with Legionnaires’ disease illness, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Legionnaires’ disease lawyer that can help.
Call (833) 330-3663 or send us an email for a free, no obligation consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)