Three fatalities have been linked to a Legionnaires' disease outbreak at a senior living community.

According to reports, three senior citizens have passed away from Legionnaires' disease, a type of pneumonia transmitted through water, at an assisted living facility in Albany, New York.

A cluster of cases was first reported to the Albany County Department of Health at Peregrine Senior Living on August 30, as stated in a communication sent to Planet Chronicle Digital.

An investigation was launched immediately, and the assisted living facility was put on water restrictions, a spokesperson stated in the statement.

A total of 20 people have been hospitalized since Aug. 30.

According to the health department, half of those tested positive for Legionnaires'.

Three people who tested positive have died, with two of them being hospitalized for other health issues.

Water samples from the facility have been tested by the New York State Health Department and the Albany County Department of Health.

The Albany health department informed Planet Chronicle Digital that Legionella bacteria was detected in certain samples and additional testing is being conducted on those samples.

"Water filters have been installed by Peregrine, making some showers and bathrooms usable."

The New York State Department of Health is collaborating with the Albany County Department of Health and Peregrine Senior Living to investigate and address the outbreak, as stated by a spokesperson when contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital.

A total of 20 people have been hospitalized since Aug. 30, according to the local health department.

The spokesperson stated that health officials have been collecting environmental water samples at Peregrine, which are being tested at the State Department of Health's Wadsworth Center. Additionally, Peregrine has implemented water restrictions and installed shower filters at the facility.

"We will persist in collaborating with the facility and county health authorities to safeguard the well-being and security of Peregrine's residents."

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to Peregrine Senior Living requesting comment.

What is Legionnaires’ disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.

The bacteria is usually found in lakes, streams and other freshwater environments.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that Legionella bacteria can spread indoors through shower heads, sink faucets, hot tubs, water features/fountains, plumbing systems, and other water systems.

Consuming water droplets contaminated with Legionella can increase the risk of developing Legionnaires' disease.

The CDC states that while human transmission of the disease is possible in rare instances, it is not typically spread from person to person.

"The New York State Department of Health confirmed to Planet Chronicle Digital that legionellosis is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person. It is not a communicable disease and there is no threat to the community at large."

According to Dr. Nathan Goodyear, medical director of Brio-Medical in Arizona, those with coexisting pulmonary disease and smokers are at the highest risk, as previously stated to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Goodyear previously told Planet Chronicle Digital that other risk factors for COVID-19 include advancing age, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and compromised immune systems.

Symptoms of the infection

Typically, symptoms of Legionnaires' disease manifest within two to 14 days of exposure.

The symptoms of the pneumonia are similar to other types and include the following:

• Cough
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle aches and headaches

The CDC noted that some patients may experience nausea, diarrhea, and confusion in addition to the flu.

Goodyear stated that while the symptoms of Legionella may not always distinguish it from other causes, a history of exposure to "human-made reservoirs" is a key factor, although this may be difficult to determine early in infection or during an outbreak.

The doctor mentioned that cancer is a co-occurring condition with Legionnaires' disease.

Immediately seek medical attention if you have any of these symptoms, advises the CDC.

Diagnosis, treatment and prevention

A diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease can be made through a chest X-ray, urine test, and lab analysis of a phlegm sample.

Most people with the disease will recover with a course of antibiotics.

Serious illness can result in lung failure or death in some patients, according to the CDC.

The CDC reports that approximately 10% of individuals who contract Legionnaires' disease may die from complications, and the mortality rate increases to 25% for those who develop the condition while staying in a healthcare facility.

"Goodyear advised Planet Chronicle Digital that prompt and forceful treatment is necessary for Legionella infection, which is an intracellular infection that calls for antibiotic therapy."

Antibiotics that are appropriate for Legionella infection include Levofloxacin and Azithromycin.

Goodyear stated that while therapy can be given orally to healthy individuals, intravenous antibiotics are typically the first choice for treatment due to the severity of the disease.

Around 10% of people who contract Legionnaires’ disease will die from complications, according to the CDC.

Currently, there are no vaccines for the disease.

The most effective way to prevent infection is by limiting the proliferation and transmission of Legionella bacteria.

To minimize the risk, the CDC advises building owners and managers to implement a water management program.

Goodyear advises smokers to quit smoking and emphasizes the importance of "aggressively supporting" individuals with chronic pulmonary disease to prevent serious illness from Legionnaires'.

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Goodyear stated that immune dysfunction is linked to advancing age, which is a natural part of life.

"To combat the immune dysfunction that comes with aging, it is necessary to enhance immune support through the intake of vitamin D3, vitamin C, and Zinc."

Another risk factor for chronic inflammatory diseases is obesity, according to Goodyear.

For information on legionella, visit the Albany County Department of Health's website at www.albanycountyny.gov/departments/health/legionellosis.