Elliot Olsen has regained millions for people harmed by Legionnaires’ disease. If you or a family member were sickened at the Albert Lea Ramada, please call Elliot at (612) 337-6126 for a free consultation.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has linked two Legionnaires’ disease cases to the pool at the Albert Lea Ramada by Wyndham.
The MDH revealed that early evidence suggests the source of the Legionella bacteria is the pool area at the Ramada by Wyndham, 2301 East Main Street. Investigators said they have identified two lab-confirmed cases among people from unrelated groups who spent time in the pool and hot tub area near the end of June.
Albert Lea Ramada: Other victims possible
The MDH is investigating reports of additional people who are experiencing illnesses that could very well be Legionnaires’ disease.
The two victims became ill between late June and early July. One person remains hospitalized, and the other was hospitalized for a time but has since been discharged.
Albert Lea Ramada: What is Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is also called Legionellosis and Legionella pneumonia. It is a severe type of pneumonia or lung infection.
Statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that U.S. health departments reported nearly 10,000 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the United States in 2018. Because the disease is underdiagnosed, however, this number is more likely to be 2.5 times greater.
Regardless, 10 percent of those infected with Legionnaires’ disease will die from the infection.
Albert Lea Ramada: How do you contract it?
Legionella bacteria are contracted when one inhales microscopic water droplets in the form of mist or vapor. The bacteria grow best in warm water and are found primarily in human-made environments.
Outbreaks have been linked to a range of sources, such as:
- hot tubs, whirlpools and swimming pools at hotels, fitness centers and on cruise ships
- cooling towers in air conditioning systems
- decorative fountains
- mist machines in grocery stores’ produce sections
- hot water tanks and heaters
- large plumbing systems
- showers and faucets
- equipment used in physical therapy
- water systems like those used in hotels, hospitals, and nursing homes.
People also can catch Legionnaires’ disease by the aspiration – when food, liquids, saliva, or vomit is inhaled into the airways – of contaminated drinking water.
It’s also possible to contract Legionnaires’ disease from home plumbing systems, although the great majority of outbreaks have occurred in large buildings, since complex systems allow the bacteria to grow and spread more easily.