Legionnaires Cases Rise in Some California Cities

Legionnaires Cases Rise in Some California Cities; as reported by CBS News Los Angeles, seven residents from a particular northwest corner of Westminster have contracted the bacteria lung infection, with the Orange County California Health Care Agency drawing focus to potential water sources culprits such as cooling towers, pools, and spas that are habitual breeding grounds for the bacteria.

The disease, which is not transmitted person-to-person, has seen a concerning climb over the past five years, jumping from 66 cases in 2019, to 92 in 2023, and 82 so far in 2024. The bacteria, Legionella, thrive in warm water environments, making man-made structures like cooling towers and hot tubs ideal for their proliferation. Symptoms often mimic those of pneumonia, including fever, cough, muscle aches, and sometimes gastrointestinal issues like nausea or diarrhea, and the disease can be treated with antibiotics, as mentioned by ABC7.

The risk to the general population is considered low but heightened for individuals over 50 or those with weakened immune systems or chronic respiratory issues. Health officials, in their advisory, stressed the importance of those experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention. Furthermore, property and business owners are advised to review water management practices and Legionella preventative measures, as stated by the OC Health Care Agency.

Residents in the Westminster area or visitors who have developed pneumonia-like symptoms are urged to consult their healthcare providers.

What is Legionnaire’s Disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia — lung inflammation usually caused by infection. It’s caused by a bacterium known as legionella.

Most people catch Legionnaires’ disease by inhaling the bacteria from water or soil. Older adults, smokers and people with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to Legionnaires’ disease.

The legionella bacterium also causes Pontiac fever, a milder illness resembling the flu. Pontiac fever usually clears on its own, but untreated Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal. Although prompt treatment with antibiotics usually cures Legionnaires’ disease, some people continue to have problems after treatment.

Symptoms:

Legionnaires’ disease usually develops two to 10 days after exposure to legionella bacteria. It frequently begins with the following signs and symptoms:

• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fever that may be 104 F (40 C) or higher

By the second or third day, you’ll develop other signs and symptoms that can include:

• Cough, which might bring up mucus and sometimes blood
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Confusion or other mental changes

Although Legionnaires’ disease primarily affects the lungs, it occasionally can cause infections in wounds and in other parts of the body, including the heart.

A mild form of Legionnaires’ disease — known as Pontiac fever — can produce fever, chills, headache and muscle aches. Pontiac fever doesn’t infect your lungs, and symptoms usually clear within two to five days.

If you or a loved one have been affected by Legionnaires’ disease or has been exposed to Legionella bacteria, you may be entitled to compensation. Protect your rights and make sure you obtain the justice that you deserve for your injuries by contacting our highly skilled team of Legionnaires’ disease lawyers at The Lange Law Firm, PLLC today.