Westminster Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak Sickens Seven People

OC Health Care Agency (HCA) Investigating Potential Sources of Westminster Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak That Sickened Seven People

WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA (November 21, 2024) – At least seven people in northwest Westminster were sickened in a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, according to the OC Health Care Agency (HCA).

Orange County Legionella cases have been steadily increasing over the past 5 years. In 2019, there were 66 reported cases. In 2023, there were 93 reported cases.

The Centers for Disease Control has monitored a similar spike of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks throughout the United States over the last 12 months. HCA officials are saying that the risk to the public remains low.

However, any person in Westminster who develops a pneumonia-like illness should contact a healthcare provider and mention the outbreak. People who are over the age of 50 and those with chronic respiratory conditions are more likely to have a severe illness.

The source of the outbreak remains unknown at this time. Potential sources of the outbreak include cooling towers, spas, and other water sources throughout Westminster.

Commercial entities tied to the outbreak, such as stores, apartment complexes, and hospitals could potentially be liable for the infections and resulting injuries. However, it does not appear that any lawsuits have been filed at this time.

Liability For Westminster Legionella Infections

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by exposure to Legionella bacteria, which is most likely to thrive in warm water environments. According to the National Institutes of Health, “Legionnaires’ disease (LD), a type of pneumonia that is often severe and has a 7–10% mortality rate, is the leading cause of drinking water disease outbreaks in the United States (USA). Infections are caused by the inhalation of waterborne Legionella from aerosolised sources in the built environment such as showers, sinks, and cooling towers.” There are a number of common symptoms associated with Legionnaires’ disease.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle aches
• Chest pain
• Gastrointestinal symptoms

There could be numerous sources of liability for any instance of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, including stores, apartment complexes, hotels, hospitals, office buildings, fitness centers, and transportation hubs. Property owners in California have a legal obligation to keep their premises reasonably safe. This includes taking measures to prevent infectious diseases. Pursuant to California Civil Code 1714, “Everyone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary care, brought the injury upon himself or herself.” When property owners fail to take reasonable steps to prevent outbreaks, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are a number of measures that commercial entities should take in order to prevent Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks.

• Water Systems Design and Maintenance: Companies should do everything in their power to minimize areas where water can stagnate. They should also use filters to reduce sediment and debris that may allow bacteria to grow.
• Regular Testing and Monitoring: Companies should regularly test water sources for bacteria, especially high-risk systems like cooling towers, hot tubs, and HVACs. Water in these systems should have adequate pH levels and disinfectant levels.
• Temperature Control: Companies should ensure that water is maintained at temperatures that prevent bacteria growth. Cold water should be below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and hot water should be kept above 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Equipment Maintenance: Companies should routinely maintain high-risk systems, including cooling towers, hot tubs, and HVACs. These systems should be routinely cleaned, and their filters should be replaced as needed.

It’s easy for businesses to become complacent about the threat posed by Legionnaires’ disease. This is partly because many of the factors that cause outbreaks are not obvious in the same way that a broken elevator would be. In times of economic hardship, property owners may skip out on required maintenance in order to save money. But this can lead to devastating outcomes for people over 50 or those who have chronic respiratory conditions. Any person who becomes ill after contracting Legionnaires’ disease may be able to hold numerous entities accountable, including stores, apartment complexes, hotels, hospitals, office buildings, fitness centers, and transportation hubs. A premises liability attorney can investigate the unique facts of your case free of cost and let you know what entity could be liable for your particular illness.

Getting Legal Help After Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreaks

We at Samer Habbas & Associates extend our best wishes to all of the people who have become ill in this Westminster Legionnaires’ disease outbreak. There needs to be a thorough investigation into the source of the outbreak. The OC Health Care Agency has overseen a continuous rise in these types of outbreaks for several years. It is time for county and state officials to consider stricter sanctions and punishments for businesses that are putting the public at risk through health code violations.

Have you or someone that you care about contracted Legionnaires’ disease after staying at stores, apartment complexes, hotels, hospitals, office buildings, fitness centers, transportation hubs, or other commercial properties in or near Westminster? You may have legal recourse. Our team of premises liability attorneys is here to help you. We care deeply that victims of infectious disease outbreaks get the medical and financial support that they are owed under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 888-848-5084.