River Park Towers Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak [Updated]

Updated October 12 with confirmed cases in the second tower. River Park Towers continues to have a Legionnaires’ disease problem. People get Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, when they inhale water vapor that is contaminated with Legionella bacteria. It is not spread through person-to-person contact.

In August, two residents of 10 Richman Plaza were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. In September, residents of the tower located at 20 Richman Plaza were also diagnosed with the potentially fatal lung infection.

On October 5, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene received test results revealing that water samples collected on September 21 and 22 were positive for Legionella, according to a PIX11 report.

August 2023 Legionnaires’ Cases Reported at River Park Towers

In August, at least two residents were part of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at River Park Towers in the Bronx. Both people live in the building located at 10 Richman Plaza. But New York City Health Department officials are also evaluating the water at 20 Richman Plaza.

Legionella grow best in the warm, stagnant water of manmade structures. Outbreaks are often linked to water in commercial plumbing systems, cooling towers, fountains, and hot tubs.

Do You Need a Legionnaires’ Disease Lawyer?

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease

The health department is alerting all residents who develop flu-like symptoms to seek immediate medical care. Legionnaires’ disease often requires hospitalization and about 10 percent of all cases are fatal.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease symptoms include high fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and headaches. It can take anywhere from two to 14 days for these symptoms to develop.

Most people with Legionnaires’ disease require hospitalization. About 10 percent of cases are fatal.

High-Risk Groups

Some people are at elevated risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease. They include:

  • People over 50
  • Current and former smokers
  • People with underlying health conditions
  • People with weakened immune systems
Legionella Lawyer

Our Legionnaires’ lawyers represent Legionella outbreak victims and their families. For the past 40 years, we have been representing people who developed serious illnesses because corporate wrongdoers failed to put water safety plans in place. Our lawyers recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of a man who developed Legionnaires’ disease after a senior living facility in Illinois failed to properly maintain and clean its water system.

One of the first steps you should take after being diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease is to consult with an experienced lawyer. For a free consultation with one of our lawyers, please call 612-338-0202, text 612-261-0856, or fill out the form below.

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Category: Legionnaires' Disease
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