Updated September 23 with confirmation of probable cases. Eight illnesses and four deaths are part of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at Amsterdam Nursing Home in Morningside Heights, NY. All of the illnesses occurred between June and September. A fifth fatality is under investigation.
Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, occurs when people breathe in water vapor that is contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Although Legionella is found in nature, the bacteria grows best in human-made structures like commercial plumbing systems, cooling towers, fountains, and hot tubs.
Health officials found Legionella in one wing of the building, located at 1060 Amsterdam Ave., and put water restrictions in place. But they have not yet discovered the source of contamination.
Previous Violations
The state of New York has required cooling towers on buildings to be registered and regularly inspected for Legionella since 2015. Over the last five years, Amsterdam Nursing Home has been cited twice for violations, according to the New York Times. In 2017, a new cooling tower was not adequately cleaned or disinfected before being used. In March 2021, a sample was not collected for testing. In October 2021, the most recent inspection, there were no violations.
Experienced Legionnaires’ Disease Legal Team
Our Legionnaires’ lawyers represent Legionella outbreak victims and their families. They have decades of experience representing clients with Legionnaires’ disease and families who have suffered the wrongful death of a loved one. To request your 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.
UPDATED: This post was originally published on September 15 and updated on September 23 with confirmation of probable cases and death and the investigation of a fifth fatality.