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Elliot Olsen has more than 20 years’ experience representing people harmed by Legionnaires’ disease, and he has regained millions of dollars in compensation. If you or a family member has contracted Legionnaires’ disease and believe negligence is involved, please call him at 612-337-6126, or complete the following:
Only a month after a new Legionnaires’ disease death was reported, the Flint water crisis persists as another case is reported at a nursing home.
The Genesee County (MI) Health Department (GCHD) is investigating a case of Legionnaires’ disease at Heritage Manor Healthcare Center, a senior services and aged-care facility. The patient’s condition, gender and age were not reported due to patient confidentiality, and the GCHD would not confirm whether the individual was hospitalized.
The source of the infection has not been identified, and the health department has directed the facility to install filters on all faucets and shower heads.
December death
In late December 2017, Karenise Westbrook, 52, of Flint, died from the same Legionella bacteria strain as one of the victims in 2015. That year, two waves of the outbreak killed 12 people and sickened nearly 90 in the Flint area.
Individuals living near Heritage Manor, and recent visitors or employees who may be exhibiting symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, should immediately contact their physicians.
Legionnaires’ symptoms
Legionnaires’ disease looks like other forms of pneumonia or even flu, which is why so many cases go unreported annually. Symptoms can include:
- chills
- fever, which can be 104 or higher
- headaches and muscle aches
- loss of appetite.
After the first few days, symptoms can worsen and include:
- chest pain when breathing, which is called pleuritic chest pain (due to inflamed lungs)
- confusion and agitation
- a cough, which could bring up mucus and blood
- diarrhea (about one-third of all cases result in gastrointestinal problems)
- nausea and vomiting
- shortness of breath.
The incubation period – the amount of time between contracting the Legionella bacteria and developing symptoms – is usually 2 to 10 days but can be as much as 16 days.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can contract Legionnaires’ disease, but those at higher risk of infection include:
- people 50 or older
- smokers, both current or former
- heavy drinkers of alcoholic beverages
- people with chronic lung disease
- people with suppressed immune systems
- organ-transplant recipients
- individuals who are following specific drug protocols; for example, corticosteroids.
