Three individuals have passed away after contracting Legionnaires’ disease in an assisted living facility located in upstate New York. The outbreak occurred at Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker in Albany, where a cluster of cases was identified by Albany County health officials. Out of ten positive cases, three fatalities were reported, with two of the deceased individuals having been admitted to the hospital for unrelated health issues, as stated in a county news release. Further details surrounding the deaths have not been disclosed at this time.
Since Friday, a total of twenty individuals have been hospitalized in connection to the outbreak, with some having been discharged subsequently. Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, is caused by the inhalation of small water droplets containing legionella bacteria. Those at greater risk of developing the illness include elderly individuals, individuals with compromised immune systems, and those with certain medical conditions such as chronic lung disease.
The management of Peregrine expressed cooperation with both state and local health authorities to ensure the safety of residents, employees, and visitors. Measures taken include the implementation of advanced water filters in numerous locations within the facility, particularly in areas designated for bathing and showering, according to Kristyn Ganim, the executive director of Peregrine. Additionally, residents have been supplied with bottled water as a precautionary step.
An inquiry for additional information has been directed to the state Department of Health regarding the ongoing investigation and response to the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at the senior living facility in Albany, New York.