Deadly Legionnaires’ Outbreak Strikes Assisted Living Facility in Albany, New York: 3 Dead
A deadly Legionnaires’ outbreak at an Albany, New York assisted living facility has claimed three lives, prompting urgent measures. 🌐 #News #AlbanyNY #NewYork #Legionnaires
ALBANY, NY — A deadly outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease has claimed three lives and sent 20 residents of a New York assisted living facility to the hospital, officials revealed.
Albany County health officials were first alerted to the crisis at Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker on Friday. Since then, 10 residents have tested positive for the bacteria — and three of those infected didn’t make it.
Legionnaires’, a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, is contracted by breathing in water droplets contaminated with the bacteria, according to the CDC. A smaller number of cases can also develop into Pontiac fever, a milder respiratory illness.
In a race to contain the outbreak, the Albany County executive’s office said further testing of water samples at the facility is ongoing.
Peregrine Senior Living Shaker Executive Director Kristyn Ganim said the facility is taking serious measures to protect its residents.
“We have installed advanced water filters in as many locations as possible, including in designated bathing and showering locations. We are rapidly sourcing and installing these filters in each of our resident apartments, along with one of the best water source treatment systems available for our entire resident community,” Ganim said to the reporters.
“This is an extra layer of protection that is not commonly utilized in most communities similar to ours, but one that we feel is paramount to best protecting our residents.”
As the death toll rises, officials are working to get the outbreak under control — but questions remain about how the deadly bacteria spread and what can be done to stop it.
In the midst of this tragedy, our thoughts and prayers are with the families and residents affected, as we trust in God’s healing and comfort for those in need.
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