Officials have reported a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires' disease centered in New York City but with incidents also reported in other locations. At last count, 10 people had died from the disease and a total of 100 cases had been diagnosed.
Kline & Specter, PC, with more than 50 attorneys, five of whom are also highly skilled medical doctors, is handling litigation related to the recent outbreak. If you or a loved one suffered serious illness or death due to suspected Legionnaires' disease, you should call today for a free evaluation of your case.
The recent outbreak was centered in New York City but deaths were reported in other places, including Ohio and Michigan.
New York City officials were conducting inspections to try to find the sources of the disease, which can be contracted by inhaling mist containing the legionella bacteria. Legionnaires' can be spread from a number of sources, including water fountains, shower heads and air conditioning units. It is not transmitted from person to person.
The outbreak had initially been traced to five water towers in the South Bronx but further inspections were continuing. While Legionnaires' disease can be treated with antibiotics, it can be deadly if left untreated.
Symptoms of the respiratory bacterial infection include high fever, chills and coughing. The time between exposure to the bacteria and the appearance of symptoms is generally two to 10 days but can take longer. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between five and 30 percent of those who contract Legionnaires' die from the disease.
The disease is named for an outbreak that occurred in 1976 at a hotel in Philadelphia where an American Legion convention was being held.
Kline & Specter has offices in Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey and Delaware and handles cases nationwide.