An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease that occurred in Westchester County has sickened at least three dozen people and killed at least two, according to the County’s Health Commissioner. Unusually for this type of outbreak, the cases are fairly widespread, indicating multiple likely sources of contamination. People who live in Westchester County who suffer from pneumonia should make sure to get tested for Legionnaires’ as soon as possible.
At Least Thirty-Seven Sickened in Westchester
According to public health officials, at least 37 people have tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease in Westchester County over the course of the summer. Unfortunately, at least two individuals have died as a result of this disease, who lived in White Plains and New Rochelle, respectively. This comes after a major outbreak in Harlem earlier this summer, which sickened more than 100 people and killed seven.
Cause Of Outbreak Potentially Linked to Weather
The unusually high number of Legionnaires’ disease cases has not been tied to any single source of infection, but instead to the abnormally warm weather. The Legionella bacteria that causes the disease tends to prefer warm, damp environments, which means it tends to grow more aggressively as temperatures get hotter. With many days this summer hitting 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above, the risk of people developing this potentially deadly disease was far higher.
The Signs of Legionnaires’ Disease
Identifying Legionnaires’ disease can often be hard because it resembles more conventional forms of pneumonia, with victims tending to develop flu-like symptoms. Headaches, nausea, vomiting, fever, muscle aches, coughing, and shortness of breath are all common symptoms of the disease, and without additional testing, it will generally be treated like any other respiratory infection. Unlike other forms of pneumonia, though, it doesn’t spread from person to person, but instead infects people through tainted water sources, like cooling towers, swimming pools, hot tubs, water fountains, showers, and HVAC systems.
What You Should Do if You Get Sick
If you live in Westchester County and experience the above symptoms, you should make sure to get tested for Legionnaires’ disease. Then, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling cases related to Legionnaires’ disease. They can help you explore all of your legal options, and help you get compensation for the harm you have suffered.
If you or someone you know has been sickened or injured as 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.