A Legionnaires’ disease cluster was reported on October 2 by the Illinois Department of Public Health. There are two confirmed cases so far linked to Alden Valley Ridge Rehab in Bloomingdale, a suburb of Chicago. Legionnaires’ disease is caused by a naturally occurring bacterium called Legionella.
Samples were taken in the infected person’s room; in addition, samples were taken in the cooling tower. With two confirmed cases so far, it is unknown how many others may be infected. Legionella bacteria can be found in potable water systems like showers, sink faucets, and drinking fountains. It can also be found in non-potable systems such as cooling towers, decorative fountains, and hot tubs. An Alden Valley Ridge Rehab Representative made a statement that they were following all state and local recommendations to properly remediate the situation.
Alden Valley Ridge Rehab is a nursing rehabilitation facility; it caters to short-term patients recovering from several types of ailments. , many of whom are elderly or in poor health. Risk factors according to the CDC for Legionella include:
The environmental CDC risk factors can be alleviated by following preventive measures. These preventive measures include
Chicago is home to many hospitals and nursing facilities, all with at-risk patients residing there. It is especially important to test and treat for Legionella in the water in these facilities. Cooling towers, chillers, and chilled water loops pose a significant risk if they are untreated and are not regularly tested for Legionella. Additionally, there are several potable water systems that see infrequent use or have complex plumbing systems where Legionella could grow in part of and spread. Testing on a regular basis, such as once a month or once a quarter, will allow you to detect and remediate Legionella before it infects anyone. You can test both potable and non-potable water systems regularly, but you can only chemically treat non-potable water systems to help control Legionella. Treating a cooling tower, chiller, or closed-loop system includes feeding biocides; these biocides will kill bacteria and biofilms that protect and help bacteria multiply.
Legionella liability is on the facility operator/owner. To ensure you are keeping your residents safe and to help control outbreaks, we recommend a qualified company like Chardon Labs to perform Legionella testing, preventive water treatment, and remediation. Let this be one less thing you must worry about. All our service managers (including Chicago) are ASSE 12080 certified for Legionella Risk Management. We can provide a free site survey and quote for your Legionella needs! Contact us today to learn more.
