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 on June 29, 2025
Young and the Restless writers have found a potential out for character Cole Howard in the story line. But will they use it?
Fans of the long-running soap opera have followed along as characters have aged and developed over time.
One of the current overarching story lines for the series is Cane Ashby’s return as “Aristotle Dumas,” which has since been revealed as an alias. A plot twist not entirely new to the character. Anyone remember his brief interlude disguising himself as his evil twin brother???
But this particular side story is about Cole Howard and his off-screen battle with a rare but serious illness.
Legionnaires’ disease.
Is this plot point a way to allow Cole to briefly leave the show? Could be. Cole Howard has left and returned to the show more than once.
Or is this a permanent exit?
Is Legionnaires’ disease truly as life-threatening as the soap opera is making it out to be? Or is this hype just for the plot?
That all depends.
First, let’s dive into what Legionnaires’ disease actually is and what the character may be experiencing in some Genoa City hospital off-screen.
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by infection with the Legionella bacteria. This is a naturally occurring bacteria that can be found in freshwater environments. Places like lakes and streams.
However, the risk of exposure in these environments is small. The problem comes when the bacteria grows and spreads in human-made water systems. Places where the bacteria can grow and later be aerosolized.
People become sick by breathing in microscopic Legionella bacteria inside those misted drops of water. In some cases, it doesn’t take much for enough bacteria to reach the lungs and cause infection.
Any system or fixture that holds water and produces a mist of some kind can spread Legionella bacteria and expose people to Legionnaires’ disease.
It is unclear where Cole Howard contracted his case. But there are several common sources of Legionnaires’ disease that may have been the culprit.
Cooling towers used for centralized air-cooling systems in large buildings or other industrial processes are the most common modern mode of Legionella infection. Though it isn’t the only source of Legionnaires’ disease.
Large, complex plumbing systems or those with dead pipes where construction is in progress also allow bacteria to grow and spread. Hot water tanks and hot water heaters provide a happy, warm environment and a place to hang out, leading to potential Legionella bacterial growth.
Even shower heads and sink faucets and hot tubs provide modes of exposure. Decorative fountains and water features, placed both indoor and outdoor, can lead to splashes and mists capable of spreading Legionnaires’ disease.
Fortunately, single family homes, most apartment buildings, and car air-conditioning units do not use water to cool the air, so there is no risk for Legionella growth. However, if a vehicle’s windshield wiper fluid tank is filled with water and not “genuine windshield cleaner fluid,” it could be a potential source of infection.
Most healthy individuals do not fall ill after being exposed to Legionella bacteria. However, certain groups of people are at an increased risk.
Common risk factors include:
According to Fandom, Cole Howard was born in 1974. Making him 51 years old right now. This does put him in the higher risk category.
Legionnaires’ disease cases often go undiagnosed because they present similar symptoms to typical pneumonia illnesses. Even on a chest x-ray, a trained technician may not be able to see the difference.
Specialized laboratory tests are required for an accurate diagnosis. This accurate diagnosis is extremely important, as specific treatment generally means a better outcome.
Common Legionnaires’ disease symptoms include:
Other symptoms may include nausea, diarrhea, and/or confusion.
While the infection can be treated with antibiotics, it is a serious illness.
Most will require hospitalization to make a full recovery.
For every ten people infected with Legionnaires’ disease, one will die. Not great odds for Cole Howard on the show.
If the illness is acquired in a healthcare facility, the odds are even worse. One in every four people do not recover from their illness. It is unlikely that Cold Howard acquired his infection in a healthcare facility. But his odds aren’t great.
This plot line is clearly used to advance a fictional story on a soap opera series. But Legionnaires’ disease is very real. And very serious.
You could be hospitalized for an extended period of time. In most cases, it can still take months for a Legionnaires’ disease patient to fully recover. Given the high mortality rate, some may never recover.
All for a completely preventable illness often resulting from lapses in required maintenance.
If you become sick with Legionnaires’ disease, it’s a good idea to get advice from an experienced Legionnaires’ disease lawyer. This specialized lawyer can help you navigate this stressful process for you or a loved one.
If you have become seriously ill and have medical bills, lost wages, and other burdens associated with the illness, you may have a legal case.
Don’t go it alone.
A knowledgeable Legionnaires’ disease lawyer can help you by:
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has an experienced Legionnaires’ disease lawyer that has successfully won cases for families in situations just like yours.
Call today for a free, no obligation consultation. A compassionate member of the team will go over the details of your situation to help determine if you have a legal case.
Don’t wait. Call, (833) 330-3663 today! Or click here to email for a free consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)