Sickened in Covenant Living outbreak? Call (612) 337-6126 and talk with a Legionnaires lawyer
Elliot Olsen is a nationally prominent Legionnaires lawyer who has regained millions for clients. If you or a family member contracted Legionnaires in this Covenant Living outbreak, you might have cause to file a Legionnaires lawsuit. Please call Elliot at (612) 337-6126 for a free consultation.
Only two days after the Covenant Living outbreak had doubled to eight Legionnaires’ disease cases, it has grown again, adding another four cases for a total of 12.
The outbreak first made headlines when it was announced August 31 – less than two weeks ago – that four residents of the Batavia, Illinois, senior living community were hospitalized. On Monday, the Kane County Health Department (KCHD) announced four more cases.
The most recent cases were confirmed Wednesday at the Covenant Living at the Holmstad facility (700 West Fabyan Parkway) by Covenant Living executive director Amanda Gosnell. She said the four illnesses were reported to both the KCHD and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
In 2018, Illinois reported 512 cases of Legionnaires’ disease statewide. This year, there have been 255 confirmed cases.
Covenant Living outbreak:
Legionella search continues
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia (lung disease) that is also known as legionellosis or Legionella pneumonia. The disease can be contracted when one breathes in small droplets of water (mist or vapor) containing Legionella bacteria.
At Covenant Living, officials still don’t know where that bacteria is living.
“We await more thorough results from the state testing and pray that a source can, if at all, be identified, either on or off our campus,” Gosnell said.
“Our community has been working very closely with both Kane County and the Illinois Department of Public Health in taking measures to mitigate any potential Legionella bacteria following the initial reporting.”
For updates on the outbreak or for more information about Legionnaires’ disease, go to KaneHealth.com/Pages/Menu-Disease.aspx.
Only two days after the Covenant Living outbreak in Batavia, Illinois, had doubled to eight Legionnaires’ disease cases, it grew again, adding another four cases for a total of 12.
Covenant Living outbreak:
Seniors at greater risk
Most people who are exposed to Legionella bacteria do not get sick, but people older than 50 – especially those who smoke or have a chronic lung disease (such as COPD) – are at a much greater risk of becoming infected. Other people more susceptible to infection include:
- organ-transplant recipients
- anyone on a specific drug protocol, such as corticosteroids
- alcoholics.
The list also includes anyone with an immune system that has been compromised because of:
- frequent and recurrent pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, ear infections, meningitis or skin infections
- organ inflammation and infection
- blood disorders, such as anemia or low platelet counts
- digestive problems, such as cramping, appetite loss, diarrhea, and nausea.
After Legionnaires’ disease has been diagnosed, hospitalization is almost always necessary, and that is definitely the case with all 12 of those sickened in this outbreak. In the most severe circumstances, complications can develop, such as respiratory failure, kidney failure, septic shock, or even death.
Covenant Living outbreak:
A difficult diagnosis
Officials are advising that residents, employees, and visitors to Covenant Living who are feeling flu- or pneumonia-like symptoms see their health-care provider immediately. Symptoms generally develop two to 10 days after one has been exposed to Legionella, and they usually begin with severe headaches, muscle aches, fever (which can be 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher), and chills.
By the second or third day, however, symptoms often worsen to include:
- a cough, which can produce mucus or blood
- dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- chest pains, which are called pleurisy or pleuritic chest pains
- gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and/or nausea
- confusion and other mental changes.
Although Legionnaires’ disease primarily affects the lungs, it occasionally can cause infections in wounds and in other parts of the body, including the heart. In addition, there is a mild form of Legionnaires’ disease called Pontiac fever that can produce similar symptoms, including fever, chills, headaches, and muscle aches. Pontiac fever doesn’t infect the lungs, however, and its symptoms generally clear within a week.
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Elliot Olsen has decades of experience representing people injured by Legionnaires’ disease. You can contact him for a free consultation by filling out the following form and submitting it:
