Updated August 8 – Water tests confirmed the presence of Legionella. An investigation is underway after two residents of Allegria Village, a continuing care retirement community in Dearborn, MI, were hospitalized with Legionnaires’ disease and died. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia that people get when they inhale water that is contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Most people who get Legionnaires’ disease require hospitalization. About 10 percent of cases are fatal.
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Investigation of Legionnaires’ Disease Cases at Allegria Village
State and Wayne County health officials are investigating the deaths of two residents who contracted Legionnaires’ disease in June and July and a non-fatal illness that occurred in August 2024. They are providing guidance on testing, education, and remediation. a
Lexi Cousino, director of operations at Allegria Village, told the Detroit Free Press in a July 28 statement, “As part of our routine preventative maintenance program, we regularly test and treat for Legionella in accordance with industry standards and best practices.”
On August 5, health officials confirmed that water samples from one building were positive for Legionella. Residents have been given jugs of water to use for cooking, cleaning, and bathing while the building’s plumbing system is flushed and disinfected.
What is Legionella?
Legionella bacteria are found in nature, but grow best in the warm water of manmade structures such as commercial plumbing systems, fountains, and hot tubs.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, which usually develop within two to 14 days of exposure, include:
- Headache
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches
Who is at Risk?
People at elevated risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease include:
- Current and former smokers
- People over 50
- People with weakened immune systems
Our Experienced Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyers Can Help
Pritzker Hageman Legionnaires’ disease attorneys have decades of experience representing clients with Legionnaires’ disease and families who have suffered the wrongful death of a loved one. To request a free consultation with our experienced Legionnaires’ Team, call us at 1(888) 377-8900 (toll-free), text 612-261-0856, or use the form below.