Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Legionella,Legionnaire's disease,Outbreaks & Recalls on July 7, 2025
A recent uptick of Legionnaires’ disease in Odessa has local health officials warning residents.
Here’s what we know about Legionnaires’ disease in Odessa and what to do if you begin experiencing symptoms.
The Ector County Health Department has been warning residents of a rise in Legionnaires’ disease cases. While there is no official media release on their website, this has been taking place on the Department’s social media platforms.
In one post, the Department warns, “The Ector County Health Department has seen a rise in Legionella cases. Here’s some information on Legionella and what to look for.”
Another explains how Legionella bacteria can spread and infect people. This one received more social interaction.
In response to “Happy Friday Ector Co., please see information on Legionella can affect water systems and people,” a concerned citizen commented, asking what the City of Odessa is doing about it. Expressing concerns about the public drinking water.
The Ector County Health Department’s page responded. “At this time, no cases have been linked to the city of Odessa’s water system. TCEQ standards regulate the Odessa City water. This time of year, we see increases and food and waterborne cases (ex. Legionella). If you are at risk for disease, we recommend looking out for symptoms, primarily if exposure to aerosolized devices exists. Unless otherwise stated, the city water is safe to consume. If you are using well water, the standard recommendation is to test it every six months or every year for any biological contaminants. Thank you!”
According to Brandy Garcia, Director of Ector County’s Health Department, there have already been 11 cases of Legionnaires’ disease so far this year. Last year, Ector County only had nine for the whole year.
Garcia explains, Legionnaires’ disease is more commonly reported during the summertime due to “warmer temperatures and increased human activities in or around water.”
Local news reports that “specifically in Ector County, most cases are coming from hot tubs, ponds, lakes, and swamp coolers.” Though CPAP machines are also a potential source.
Health officials warn that some people are more likely to become sick if exposed to these harmful bacteria.
Most healthy individuals do not become sick when exposed to Legionella bacteria (the bacteria responsible for Legionnaires’ disease). However, certain groups of people are at an increased risk due to existing health factors.
While the infection can be treated with antibiotics, it is a serious illness. Most infected higher risk individuals will require hospitalization to make a full recovery and 1 in 10 will die from the infection. This statistic jumps to 1 in 4 resulting in death if illness is acquired while staying in a healthcare facility.
Common risk factors include:
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by inhaling Legionella bacteria.
These microscopic germs typically live in natural water environments like lakes, streams, and rivers. They become a problem to human health when they find their way into our water systems.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 20 people exposed to Legionella bacteria will become sick.
What exactly do we mean by “man-made water fixtures?”
Things like:
These water fixtures create a mist or spray fine particles in the air.
Aerosolized particles allow Legionella bacteria to go airborne where an unsuspecting victim can breathe them in.
Fortunately, Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious.
This means that transmission from person-to-person is so rare, it is unlikely.
People become sick with the illness by breathing in harmful Legionella bacteria from one of the above sources or something similar that generates water mist or spray.
Legionnaires’ disease can be difficult to diagnose. This is because it presents similar symptoms to other types of pneumonia infections.
In fact, chest x-rays often cannot distinguish between pneumonia and Legionnaires’ disease. A serious problem when specialized treatment is required for this illness.
Specific laboratory tests are required for an accurate diagnosis.
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 have recently been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease in Odessa or surrounding Ector County cities, you may have a legal case if your illness was caused by negligence in water sanitation.
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially deadly illness that can require extensive hospitalization. Medical bills and other expenses associated with the burden of Legionnaires’ disease illness add up.
An experienced Legionnaires’ disease Lawyer can help you navigate this difficult process and help you receive financial compensation for your illness.
If you wish to pursue a legal claim for financial compensation, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help. Call (833) 330-3663 or send us 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.
Call today to get the help and justice you deserve!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)