About eight cases of Legionnaires’ Disease have been reported recently in Lee County, tallying 48 cases so far this year within the Southwest Florida community.
About three of the eight occurred within the same neighborhood after three women were reported to have pulled weeds in their garden, according to reporting from local news outlets. Two of the women have since died.
Information about how the women were infected was not immediately available.
What is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ Disease is a type of pneumonia that is caused by the bacteria Legionella. This bacteria grows best in stagnant and slow-moving, warm water. Symptoms of the disease include headache, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and dizziness. Infection happens after inhaling water vapor or mist containing the bacteria.
Those most at risk of infection are current and former smokers, people 50 years old or older, and those with preexisting health conditions such as chronic lung diseases, cancer or weakened immune systems. While there is no vaccine, it can be treated with antibiotics. In numbers from the Centers for Disease Control, it is estimated that one out of every 10 people who contract the disease dies from complications and survivors can have long-term effects for the rest of their lives.
Bacterial Legionella is known to multiply and grow in water systems such as hot tubs. To mitigate the growth of Legionella bacteria, it is recommended to maintain proper water temperatures and movement coupled with proper water management plans including disinfecting the water.
On Average, Florida reports approximately 200 to 300 cases of the disease every year. In 2023, Florida reported approximately 250 cases of Legionnaires’ Disease, according to numbers from the Florida Department of Health. When it comes to drinking water systems linked to healthcare facilities, Florida has had more outbreaks of the disease than any other state. In 2020, Florida accounted for nearly 60% of the country’s Legionnaires’ Disease cases. The bulk of annual cases were reported from August to October.
Leesfield & Partners
With offices in places like Key West, Orlando and Miami, Leesfield & Partners attorneys have built an incredible track record over its 48 years when it comes to representing clients against vacation rentals, hotels and cruise ships. In its Resort Torts practice area, which refers to injuries and wrongful death claims taking place at a resort or vacation destination or because of the negligence of employees or managing staff, Leesfield & partners attorneys have seen it all. From violent assaults taking place in a Key West hotel’s parking garage to painful slip and falls and infections of Legionnaires’ Disease.
Because Florida is such a popular vacation destination and is so well-known for its warm weather and recreational activities on the water, it is easy to piece together why resorts and hotels need to have water management plans in place to protect guests from the growth of Legionella bacteria. To protect against the negligence of these companies, the state has outlined sanitation guidelines for swimming pools in hot tubs at locations such as like spas, condominiums and hotels. Within Chapter 514, Florida Statutes, property managers must ensure that the pools and hot tubs at these locations monitor chlorine and pH levels daily as well as employ the use of a recirculation system. However, Leesfield and Partners attorneys have seen time and time again how these managers fail to comply with these standards, leaving guests vulnerable to contracting Legionnaires’ Disease.
In an ongoing case being handled by Trial Lawyer Eric Shane, two long-time friends from Canada contracted Legionnaires’ Disease from the same South Florida residential complex where they both owned units they routinely flocked to during the winter months. The two had used the property’s whirlpool spa before exhibiting symptoms and a later diagnosis of Legionnaires’ Disease.
As a result of exposure to the Legionella bacteria, one of the men died. The complex did not have a water management plan to prevent the growth of the bacteria, leaving these men and other residents vulnerable to contracting the disease.
Unfortunately, this case is far from unique. Guests and tenants of these locations head to the amenities offered on the property to take full advantage of the warm Florida sunshine and take a dip in refreshing water only to be put at risk by negligent management companies who are either so ignorant of industry standards or are not diligent enough to ensure that they are adhering to state sanitation rules.
In a case recently settled by Mr. Shane, a woman contracted Legionnaires’ Disease after a stay at a Florida hotel. The woman in that case routinely used the hot tub during her stay and began experiencing symptoms the day she checked out. Her symptoms included body swelling and fever. As a result of her infection, the woman went into septic shock and was also diagnosed with acute kidney failure.
Records show that the hotel failed to maintain minimum chlorine levels and violated other industry standards. A six-figure settlement amount was secured for the woman in that case.
In 2023, the firm settled two back-to-back cases of the disease on two unrelated clients at the same resort. One client is a Florida native while the other was visiting the area from Maryland. Both went to the hospital within days of leaving the resort with symptoms that included body soreness, fever, fatigue and difficulty breathing before they tested positive for Legionnaires’ Disease.
In those cases, two six-figure settlements were secured for the clients.
If you or a loved one has been infected with Legionnaires’ Disease, don’t wait. Call a Leesfield & Partners attorney today at 800-836-6400 for a free consultation.