As the weather gets warmer, there is a greater chance that you may suffer from a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak. Here are seven ways you should be aware of that Legionnaires’ disease can spread:
- Swimming in a pool
- Swimming pools, particularly public pools, are common places for Legionnaires’ disease to spread. This is often an issue when the water is not sufficiently chlorinated, allowing the bacteria to spread and infect swimmers.
- Using a water fountain
- Water fountains are a good way to keep rehydrated on a warm day, especially after intense exercise. Unfortunately, they can also be good places to pick up a Legionnaires’ infection during the summer, thanks to being both warm and wet.
- Using a hot tub
- Hot tubs can be fun and relaxing, but they are also ideal places for Legionnaires’ disease to spread. Proper hygiene can help mitigate this risk, so make sure the tub has been appropriately cleaned before use.
- Failing to clean a shower or bath
- Even regular showers and baths can be potentially dangerous sources of Legionnaires’ disease if not kept clean. In particular, shower heads can carry the Legionella bacteria that causes the disease, and so should be cleaned regularly.
- Using water from a tainted water system
- Unfortunately, sometimes the problem is not with any specific water source, but with an entire building’s water system. This can be a particular issue if a water tower gets infected, or if the bacteria spreads throughout an entire building.
- Staying at a hotel
- Hotels can be nice places to stay, but unfortunately they are not always as careful about cleaning the rooms as they should be. This can allow Legionnaires’ disease to spread thanks to inadequate hygiene.
- Spending time in the hospital
- It is sad to say, but hospitals are often good places for people to pick up infectious diseases, and Legionnaires’ disease is no different. When due care is not given to cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, it is possible for patients to get infected.
If you or someone you know has been in an accident that was the result of someone else’s negligence, contact the New York personal injury lawyers at the Katter Law Firm. We will help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 212-809-4293, or visit our contact page.