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Residents of a Dearborn retirement community were notified last week of recent cases involving Legionnaires’ disease at Allegria Village.
Two residents tested positive for the waterborne pneumonia-like illness. Reports say those residents died following hospitalization.
“Village Administration” notified residents of the ongoing situation and have implemented precautionary measures to help prevent further spread.
Here’s what we know so far about Legionnaires’ disease at Allegria Village and who should be concerned.
Residents at Allegria Village’s Bridgeside Place building were notified last week of the “possible presence” of a harmful bacteria called Legionella in the facility’s water system.
This notice came after confirmation that two residents tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease and died following hospitalization.
State and local health officials are actively investigating this situation, as well as another Legionnaires’ disease case from August 2024 related to the facility.
Village Administration issued the following statement to residents:
“At Allegria Village, the health and safety of our residents, families, and team members is our top priority. As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a safe living environment, we are writing to inform you that we are taking precautionary measures in response to the possible presence of Legionella bacteria in our water system.”
Test results are expected soon.
According to Wayne County Health, Human, and Veterans Services (WCHHVS), the agency was recently notified of the reports of Legionnaires’ disease in residents of Allegria Village.
In a statement, WCHHVS explains that they are “working in close collaboration with Allegria Village and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to investigate and respond to the situation.” The investigation is in the early stages, but ongoing.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also issued a statement explaining their role in the Legionnaires’ disease at Allegria Village investigation.
State health officials are offering epidemiology and industrial hygiene support. Such as giving advice on sample collection, reviewing documents and water management plans, and other aspects of their Legionella response protocols.
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.
Most cases of Legionnaires’ disease involve hot tubs and cooling towers.
Fortunately, Legionnaires’ disease is NOT contagious.
Only in extremely rare circumstances has person-to-person transmission been reported.
Nearly all cases of Legionnaires’ disease link back to contaminated water systems.
Most healthy individuals exposed to Legionella bacteria do not become sick. Certain groups, like many living at Allegria Village’s retirement community, are more susceptible to illness. These individuals are also more likely to experience more serious symptoms.
Those at higher risk include:
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.
Legionnaires’ disease symptoms should be taken very seriously. For 1 in 10 individuals with Legionnaires’ disease will die from complication of their illness. In a health care setting like this, this risk elevates to 1 in 4.
In response to these findings, Allegria Village has implemented several precautions.
First, they have instituted temporary restrictions on showers. Residents are advised to take sponge baths or contact management for other options.
The facility has also initiated the removal of aerators from faucets to reduce the risk of aerosolization and distributed “safe, alternative bathing and drinking water.”
Water testing is also being performed to assess and monitor the situation. Initial results should be available soon.
If you have been exposed to Legionnaires’ disease at Allegria Village, you should monitor your symptoms.
Most people become sick around two weeks after exposure. But every person’s body is different. A good bet is to monitor your symptoms for at least a month if you have visited or stayed in the community.
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 Allegria Village, your illness was completely preventable. An experienced Legionnaires’ disease can help answer questions you may have about how to proceed.
If you or a family member has visited or stayed at Allegria Village retirement community in Dearborn, Michigan 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.
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)
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