BEAVERTON, Ore. (KPTV) – Washington County Public Health is investigating six cases of Legionnaires’ disease that left four people hospitalized in Beaverton.
According to public health officials, the cases were reported within the last week in the Murrayhill area, in people who live within two miles of Murray Boulevard and Scholls Ferry Road. The people range in age from late 40s to early 80s. Four of the six people have been hospitalized.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) – The Multnomah County Health Department is strongly encouraging residents at a north Portland apartment complex to perm…
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by the Legionella bacteria that is found naturally in the environment and grows best in warm conditions. Common sources include hot tubs, hot water tanks, large air conditioning and plumbing systems, fountains and water bodies, according to Washington County Public Health.
The county has not identified the source of the infections. They’re urging people in the area to be proactive in identifying cases and seeking treatment quickly.
“People with Legionnaires’ disease may have flu-like symptoms including fever, tiredness, muscle aches and headaches, that often progress to coughing and shortness of breath. Nausea, diarrhea and confusion are also possible symptoms,” said Dr. Christina Baumann, Washington County health officer. “If you live in or frequent the affected area and experience these symptoms, please contact your health provider right away so they can determine if you have Legionnaires and provide treatment.”
Another person has died from an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in North Carolina, bringing the death toll to four.
The disease, which got its name from a 1976 outbreak at an American Legion convention, can be treated with antibiotics. While most people make a full recovery, many need to be hospitalized. One in 10 people with the disease will die.
People are infected by breathing in droplets from a contaminated water source. Person-to-person transmission is extremely rare.
Most people with healthy immune systems will not get Legionnaires’ disease, even after breathing in the bacteria. Older adults, smokers, and those who already have lung disease or a compromised immune system are at higher risk and more likely to become seriously ill.
Washington County Public Health is interviewing people diagnosed with the disease and employees of local businesses and housing complexes to try and determine if there is a common point of exposure. Public Health is also working with Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to collect samples and perform testing to link the cases to each other and to possible exposure sources.
Washington County will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Learn more about Legionnaire’s disease on the CDC website.
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