Pennsylvania Nursing Home Resident Has Legionnaires' Disease
Officials at Golden LivingCenter - Walnut Creek, a nursing home in Pennsylvania, are taking aggressive action after a resident was diagnosed with Legionnaires' Disease last week.
According to Leonard Quimby, the Director of Operations for the facility, Legionella bacteria was found in the facility's water. Building disinfection began with hot water being flushed into the facility's pipes throughout the building and bottled water is being distributed to residents.
Legionella bacteria grows well in warm water, such as water found in hot tubs, cooling towers, and large plumbing systems. Those contracting Legionnaires' Disease often get it by breathing in droplets of water or water mist. Legionnaires' Disease is not transmitted through direct contact. Symptoms usually begin two to fourteen days after exposure.
Legionnaires' Disease is a form of pneumonia, so it can be hard to diagnose at first. Signs of the disease can include a cough, high fever, and chills. Some victims may also suffer from muscle aches and headaches. Chest X-rays are needed to find the pneumonia caused by the bacteria, and other tests can be done on sputum (phlegm), as well as blood or urine to find evidence of the bacteria in the body.
