Legionnaires lawyer Elliot Olsen has regained millions for clients injured by Legionnaires’ disease. If you or a family member were sickened in this Texas Legionnaires outbreak, you might have reason to consider a Legionnaires lawsuit. You can do that with no strings attached; simply call Elliot at (612) 337-6126 for a free consultation.
Texas health officials said they are focusing on September’s East Texas State Fair as the source of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak.
Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) officials announced that there were seven confirmed and five possible cases of Legionnaires’ disease, a pneumonia-like illness. NET Health CEO George Roberts said all 12 patients attended the East Texas State Fair, which was held Sept. 20 to Sept. 29 in Tyler.
Chances are better than good that more cases will surface, because fair officials said more than 257,000 people attended the 10-day event.
Texas Legionnaires outbreak:
Similar to situation in NC
The outbreak is the second this fall to affect a state fair: A legionellosis outbreak in North Carolina was traced to the Mountain State Fair in Fletcher. In that outbreak, 134 of 142 victims contracted Legionnaires’ disease, and four of them died.
(Note: Legionellosis is the collective term for two diseases caused by Legionella bacteria: Legionnaires’ disease, or Legionella pneumonia, and Pontiac fever, a much weaker illness that does not affect the lungs.)
North Carolina health officials said the probable source of that outbreak were contaminated hot tubs on display at the Davis Events Center, part of the WNC Agricultural Center, home to the fair.
Texas Legionnaires outbreak:
Search is on for Legionella
NET Health’s Disease Surveillance Division is working with event organizers, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), local health departments, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate the Texas Legionnaires outbreak and pinpoint a source for the Legionella.
NET Health released an advisory to health-care professionals in East Texas to be on the lookout for additional cases. “Clinicians should consider legionellosis in patients who attended the East Texas State Fair and present with symptoms consistent with Legionnaires’ disease,” the advisory reads.
Roberts told the Tyler Morning Telegraph, “We want (doctors) to specifically ask any patient with the symptoms whether they were at the fair.”
Texas Legionnaires outbreak:
Convention Center cleared
The Harvey Convention Center was ruled out as a possible source. The center was used for numerous events during the fair, including the marketplace and photography shows, both of which occur daily during the 10-day event.
“NET Health and state officials conducted an investigation of the facility to test the water sources at Harvey Hall as the disease is spread through water particles,” read NET Health’s statement. “Public health officials confirmed the facility came back negative for any conditions that would allow for Legionnaires’ disease to be present.”
John Sykes, CEO of the East Texas State Fair, said he is working with NET Health to determine the source. “We’ve got to find the source,” Sykes told the Tyler Morning Telegraph. “This is a real surprise to us.”
Health officials are considering all water sources at the fairgrounds, including hot tubs, humidifiers, food vendors, as well as all buildings in use during the fair.
Texas Legionnaires outbreak:
Symptoms are numerous
If you attended or worked at the East Texas State Fair and are exhibiting Legionnaires’ disease symptoms, NET Health urges you to seek care from your health-care provider immediately. Symptoms usually develop two to 10 days after exposure to Legionella, and can include:
- coughing, which can produce mucus or blood
- shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- chest pains (called pleurisy or pleuritis)
- severe headaches
- muscle aches
- fever and chills
- gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- confusion and other mental changes.
Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious – that is, it cannot be passed from person to person. The condition is treatable with antibiotics, but it must be diagnosed early. If that does not occur, it can lead to severe complications.
Additionally, the disease often is overlooked or undiagnosed because of its vague symptoms, the CDC says.
Texas Legionnaires outbreak:
High-risk demographics
Legionnaires’ disease is contracted by inhaling microscopic aerosolized water droplets (vapor or mist). People 50 and older – especially smokers or those with a chronic lung condition, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, most commonly bronchitis and emphysema) – are more susceptible to developing the illness.
Others more susceptible include:
- people with weakened immune systems
- recipients of organ transplants
- people on specific drug protocols, such as corticosteroids
- alcoholics.
Free consult about
Legionnaires lawsuit
Legionnaires lawyer Elliot Olsen has decades of experience representing people injured by Legionnaires’ disease. You can contact him for a free consultation to discuss a Legionnaires lawsuit. Get the ball rolling by filling out the following form and submitting it:
