ALBANY, N.Y. — A fourth person has died amid an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at an assisted living facility in upstate New York, health officials said Tuesday.
Albany County officials announced the initial three deaths last week, among ten people who tested positive for the disease at Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker in Albany.
Albany County Department of Health Commissioner Maribeth Miller said in a prepared statement Tuesday that there were two new positive tests for legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, and now a total of four deaths connected to the outbreak.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe type of pneumonia caused by inhaling small water droplets containing Legionella bacteria, which can lurk inside plumbing systems.
People who are older, have weakened immune systems or have certain medical conditions like chronic lung disease are at higher risk for developing Legionnaires’ disease.
County officials said last week that two of the people who died had been hospitalized for other health issues, meaning it was unclear whether Legionnaires’ disease had killed them.
Miller in her prepared statement Tuesday said there were four “pneumonia fatalities in connection with this outbreak.” County officials would not elaborate.
In response to the outbreak, health officials have been working with Peregrine and area hospitals to make sure that people with symptoms are tested and treated and a water treatment program is implemented.
Peregrine’s operators said last week that they were coordinating with state and local health officials to safeguard residents, staff and visitors.
An email seeking additional comment was sent Tuesday to operators of the facility.
The Albany, N. You Y. — Health officials announced on Tuesday that a fourth person has passed away as a result of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at an assisted living facility in upstate New York.
Out of the ten individuals who tested positive for the disease at Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker in Albany, officials from Albany County announced the first three deaths last week.
There have been two additional positive tests for legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, and there have now been four deaths linked to the outbreak, according to a prepared statement released by Maribeth Miller, commissioner of the Albany County Department of Health, on Tuesday.
A serious form of pneumonia known as legionnaires’ disease is brought on by breathing in tiny water droplets contaminated with the Legionella bacteria, which can be found in plumbing systems. The risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease is higher in those who are older, have compromised immune systems, or suffer from specific medical conditions like chronic lung disease.
It was unclear whether the two fatalities were caused by Legionnaires’ disease because county officials revealed last week that the deceased had been hospitalized for other health problems. Four “pneumonia fatalities in connection with this outbreak,” according to Miller’s prepared statement from Tuesday. Officials from the county declined to comment.
Health officials have been collaborating with Peregrine and local hospitals in response to the outbreak to ensure that individuals exhibiting symptoms are evaluated, treated, and that a water treatment program is put into place. Miller stated that there have been water restrictions in place.
In an effort to protect residents, employees, and guests, Peregrine’s operators announced last week that they were working with state and local health officials. The facility’s operators received an email on Tuesday asking for more comments.
