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Lauderdale County Health Department investigates Legionella pneumonia (Alabama DoH, October 15 2013)

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  • Lauderdale County Health Department investigates Legionella pneumonia (Alabama DoH, October 15 2013)

    [Source: Alabama Department of Health, full PDF document: (LINK). Edited.]


    NEWS RELEASE / ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, RSA Tower 201 Monroe Street, Suite 914 Montgomery, AL 36104, Phone 334-206-5300 Fax 334-206-5534, www.adph.org

    Lauderdale County Health Department investigates Legionella pneumonia

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / CONTACT: Karen Landers, M.D., F.A.A.P., (256) 246-1714, (256) 383-1231, (256) 764-7453


    The Alabama Department of Public Health is studying a recent increase in the number of cases of Legionella pneumonia in Florence, Ala.

    The usual number of cases of Legionella in northwest Alabama is about four cases per year.

    Because two patients with Legionella were reported to the Lauderdale County Health Department during the first week of October, the health department worked with local hospitals and doctors to find other patients with Legionella.

    The health department has identified 10 patients with Legionella pneumonia and is looking at five other possible cases.

    As part of the process, the health department is working with physicians and hospitals, talking with the patients who had Legionella pneumonia, and checking for any potential environmental sources of the germ.

    There have not been any new cases of Legionella reported since the first week of October, but the health department continues to monitor the situation very closely.

    Dr. Karen Landers, Area Health Officer for the Alabama Department of Public Health, stated, ?We have an excellent medical community in Northwest Alabama, and out of an abundance of caution, we want to look into this carefully to be sure that we raise awareness to be checking for this illness and recommend any actions to reduce environmental risks.?

    Legionella pneumonia is not spread from person to person. People get Legionella pneumonia when they breathe in a mist or vapor containing the bacteria. Most healthy people exposed to the germ do not become sick.

    People at higher risk for getting sick are those who are older than 50, are current or former smokers, have chronic lung problems like COPD, have weak immune systems from cancer, diabetes, or kidney failure, or are on chemotherapy.

    Legionella pneumonia is caused by a germ that occurs naturally in the environment. The germ grows best in warm water. Some places where the germ can be found include hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and decorative fountains.

    For additional information, please contact your local health department.


    -30-
    10/14/13


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  • #2
    Re: Lauderdale County Health Department investigates Legionella pneumonia (Alabama DoH, October 15 2013)

    [Source: Alabama Department of Health, full PDF document: (LINK). Edited.]


    NEWS RELEASE / ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, RSA Tower 201 Monroe Street, Suite 914 Montgomery, AL 36104, Phone 334-206-5300 Fax 334-206-5534, www.adph.org

    Lauderdale County Health Department reports additional case of Legionella pneumonia

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / CONTACT: Karen Landers, M.D., F.A.A.P., (256) 246-1714, (256) 383-1231, (256) 764-7453


    Dr. Karen Landers, Assistant State Health Officer, Alabama Department of Public Health, reports one new positive Legionella pneumonia case in Lauderdale County.

    Local health authorities, with technical assistance and support of the ADPH Central Office and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are now investigating 11 cases and 8 suspect cases.

    Legionella pneumonia is not spread from person to person. People get the disease when they breathe in a mist or vapor containing the bacteria. Most healthy people exposed to the germ do not become sick. Those at higher risk for getting sick are people who are older than 50, are current or former smokers, have chronic lung problems such as COPD, have weak immune systems from cancer, diabetes, or kidney failure, or are on chemotherapy.

    Legionella pneumonia is caused by a germ that occurs naturally in the environment. The germ grows best in warm water. Some places where the germ can be found include hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems and decorative fountains.

    As part of the process, the health department is working with physicians and hospitals, talking with the patients who had Legionella pneumonia, and checking for any potential environmental sources of the germ. The doctors and hospitals continue to work very closely with the health department to test any patients who could have Legionella pneumonia.

    ?We want to continue looking into these cases carefully to be sure that we raise awareness of this illness and recommend any actions to reduce environmental risks,? Dr. Landers said. For additional information, please contact your local health department.

    -30-

    10/16/13


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    • #3
      Re: Lauderdale County Health Department investigates Legionella pneumonia (Alabama DoH, October 15 2013)

      [Source: Alabama Department of Health, full PDF document: (LINK). Edited.]


      NEWS RELEASE, ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, RSA Tower 201 Monroe Street, Suite 914 Montgomery, AL 36104, Phone 334-206-5300 Fax 334-206-5534, www.adph.org

      Alabama Department of Public Health reports additional case and two suspect cases of Legionella pneumonia

      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / CONTACT: Karen Landers, M.D., F.A.A.P., (256) 246-1714, (256) 383-1231, (256) 764-7453


      The Alabama Department of Public Health has been notified of an additional case of Legionella pneumonia and two additional suspect cases.

      This month there have been 13 confirmed cases and 10 suspect cases of Legionella pneumonia, and now one death confirmed for Legionella pneumonia.

      Three individuals in a family visited Florence, Ala., and returned home. One visitor developed respiratory symptoms and was hospitalized.

      Tests confirmed Legionella pneumonia and the patient subsequently died.

      Of the two other family members, one was hospitalized, tested for
      Legionella pneumonia, released, and results are pending. The other individual presented to a hospital, tests were run, and results are also pending.

      Health care workers have not developed problems from assisting patients with Legionella pneumonia. Legionella bacteria on surfaces does not increase the risk of illness to individuals.

      Legionella pneumonia is not transmitted from person to person. People get Legionella pneumonia when they breathe in a mist or vapor containing the bacteria. Most healthy people exposed to the germ do not become sick.

      People at higher risk for illness are those who are older than 50, are current or former smokers, have chronic lung problems such as COPD, have weak immune systems from cancer, diabetes or kidney failure, or are on chemotherapy.

      Legionella pneumonia is caused by a germ that occurs naturally in the environment. The germ grows best in warm water. Some places where the germ can be found include hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and decorative fountains. An example might be from breathing in droplets sprayed from a hot tub that has not been properly cleaned and disinfected.

      All cases have been connected to Florence, Ala.

      For additional information, please contact your health care provider or local health department.

      -30- 10/17/13


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      • #4
        Re: Lauderdale County Health Department investigates Legionella pneumonia (Alabama DoH, October 15 2013)

        [Source: Alabama Department of Health, full PDF document: (LINK). Edited.]


        NEWS RELEASE / ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, RSA Tower 201 Monroe Street, Suite 914 Montgomery, AL 36104, Phone 334-206-5300 Fax 334-206-5534, www.adph.org

        Alabama Department of Public Health continues investigation of Legionella pneumonia

        FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / CONTACT: Karen Landers, M.D., F.A.A.P., (256) 246-1714, (256) 383-1231, (256) 764-7453


        The Alabama Department of Public Health continues to investigate a Legionella pneumonia outbreak in Florence, Ala. At this time, all known cases have been associated with Glenwood Nursing Home facility.

        Dr. Karen Landers, Assistant State Health Officer for the Alabama Department of Public Health, reports that there are 13 patients with confirmed Legionella pneumonia. Ten patients are suspected to have had Legionella pneumonia but test results on these patients are not back from the laboratory. One death from Legionella pneumonia is included in the 13 reported cases.

        No new patients have been identified since Oct. 10. Dr. Landers states, "The health department continues to work very closely with the physicians and hospitals to find any new patients."

        The Glenwood facility remains open and operational, is cooperating fully with public health officials, and has performed recommended remediation steps although no water vapor generating sources have been identified at the facility at this time.

        In the United States, cooling towers have been a frequent source of Legionella outbreaks. While there are currently no confirmed cultures from cooling towers in the vicinity of Glenwood, out of an abundance of caution, management at Regency Square Mall voluntarily turned theirs off. Dr. Landers stated, "We appreciate their cooperation during this public health outbreak."

        Legionella pneumonia is not transmitted from person to person. People get Legionella pneumonia when they breathe in a mist or vapor containing the bacteria. Most healthy people exposed to the germ do not become sick.

        People at higher risk for illness are those who are older than 50, are current or former smokers, have chronic lung problems such as COPD, have weak immune systems from cancer, diabetes or kidney failure, or are on chemotherapy.

        Legionella pneumonia is caused by a germ that occurs naturally in the environment. The germ grows best in warm water. Some places where the germ can be found include hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and decorative fountains. An example might be from breathing in droplets sprayed from a hot tub that has not been properly cleaned and disinfected.

        For additional information, please contact your health care provider or local health department.


        -30- 10/18/13


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        • #5
          Re: Lauderdale County Health Department investigates Legionella pneumonia (Alabama DoH, October 15 2013)

          [Source: Alabama Department of Health full PDF document: (LINK). Edited.]


          NEWS RELEASE / ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, RSA Tower 201 Monroe Street, Suite 914 Montgomery, AL 36104, Phone 334-206-5300 Fax 334-206-5534, www.adph.org

          Alabama Department of Public Health continues investigation of Legionella pneumonia

          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / CONTACT: Karen Landers, M.D., F.A.A.P, (256) 246-1714, (256) 383-1231, (256) 764-7453


          The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) continues to investigate a Legionella pneumonia outbreak in Florence, Ala. At this time, all known cases have been associated with Glenwood Nursing Home facility.

          Positive environmental cultures for Legionella bacteria have been found from two cooling towers at Regency Square Mall and one cooling tower at Southwire. Testing continues to determine if there is a linkage between any cooling towers and the Glenwood Nursing Home outbreak. Out of precaution for the community, the cooling towers have been turned off and the owners are working with the health department to receive information on proper cleaning of the towers.

          Cooling towers on rooftops can dispense water droplets over some distance.

          Dr. Karen Landers, Assistant State Health Officer for the Alabama Department of Public Health, reports that there are 15 patients with confirmed Legionella pneumonia. Ten patients are suspected to have had Legionella pneumonia, but test results on these patients have not been returned from the laboratory. One death from Legionella pneumonia is included in the 15 reported cases. No new patients have been identified since Oct. 10.

          Dr. Landers states, "Over the past week, our physicians, hospitals, and urgent care clinics have been working with the health department to identify any new patients with Legionella. They are taking our advice to do additional testing for Legionella on their pneumonia patients."

          The Glenwood facility remains open and operational, is cooperating fully with public health officials, and has performed recommended remediation steps, although no water vapor generating sources have been identified at the facility at this time.

          Legionella pneumonia is not transmitted from person to person. People get Legionella pneumonia when they breathe in a mist or vapor containing the bacteria. Most healthy people exposed to the germ do not become sick.

          People at higher risk for illness are those who are older than 50, are current or former smokers, have chronic lung problems such as COPD, have weak immune systems from cancer, diabetes or kidney failure, or are on chemotherapy.

          Legionella pneumonia is caused by a germ that occurs naturally in the environment. The germ grows best in warm water. Some places where the germ can be found include hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and decorative fountains. An example might be from breathing in droplets sprayed from a hot tub that has not been properly cleaned and disinfected.

          For additional information, please contact your health care provider or local health department.

          -30- 10/21/13


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          • #6
            Re: Lauderdale County Health Department investigates Legionella pneumonia (Alabama DoH, October 15 2013)

            [Source: Alabama Department of Health, full PDF document: (LINK). Edited.]


            NEWS RELEASE / ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, RSA Tower 201 Monroe Street, Suite 914 Montgomery, AL 36104,
            Phone 334-206-5300 Fax 334-206-5520, www.adph.org

            No new cases of Legionella pneumonia reported

            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / CONTACT: Karen Landers, M.D., F.A.A.P., (256) 246-1714, (256) 383-1231, (256) 764-7453


            Dr. Karen Landers, Assistant State Health Officer for the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), said, ?The general public in Florence, Ala., does not need to alter daily activities, including shopping, following a Legionella pneumonia outbreak. We have no new cases at this time and no new patients have been identified since Oct. 10.?

            ADPH continues to investigate the outbreak, and at this time all known cases have been associated with Glenwood Nursing Home facility.

            Dr. Landers said, ?Physicians and hospitals are monitoring the situation closely and are working to find any new cases of illness. Antibiotics prescribed by physicians to treat community acquired pneumonia are effective for Legionella, so no special antibiotics are needed.?

            Positive environmental cultures for Legionella bacteria were found from two cooling towers at Regency Square Mall and one cooling tower at Southwire. Testing continues to determine if there is a linkage between any cooling towers and the Glenwood Nursing Home outbreak.

            Regency Square Mall and Southwire are cooperating with the health department, and out of precaution for the community, the cooling towers have been turned off. The owners are working with the health department to receive information on proper cleaning of the towers. Cooling towers on rooftops can dispense water droplets over some distance.

            Mall spokesman James Hull said, ?Regency Mall uses a third party contractor to provide preventative biocidal measures for its cooling towers and has cooperated fully with the Alabama Department of Public Health in its requests to sample the chiller water. On Thursday, Oct. 17, the mall voluntarily shut down and resterilized its cooling towers before any test results were available and will complete retesting before the chillers are reactivated.?

            There are 14 patients with confirmed Legionella pneumonia. Ten patients are suspected to have had Legionella pneumonia, but test results on these patients have not been returned from the laboratory. One death from Legionella pneumonia is included in the 14 reported cases. The Glenwood Nursing Home facility remains open and operational, is cooperating fully with public health officials, and has performed recommended remediation steps, although no water vapor generating sources have been identified at the facility at this time.

            Legionella pneumonia is not transmitted from person to person. People get Legionella pneumonia when they breathe in a mist or vapor containing the bacteria. Most healthy people exposed to the germ do not become sick.

            People at higher risk for illness are those who are older than 50, are current or former smokers, have chronic lung problems such as COPD, have weak immune systems from cancer, diabetes or kidney failure, or are on chemotherapy.

            For additional information, please contact your health care provider or local health department.


            -30- 10/22/13


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