An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Anaheim, California has infected at least 15 people, including 11 people who visited Disneyland. Two people who visited Anaheim died.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Legionnaires’ disease induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ after visiting Disneyland, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Disease Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: 15 Victims in Disney Illness Outbreak; 2 Deaths
At least 15 people who spent time in Anaheim or visited Disneyland between late August and October 2017 have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, health officials say. Two patients have died, and 11 of the 15 people who were infected visited Disneyland.
Disneyland Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak
An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease has been reported among 15 people who visited Disneyland, including 1 employee of Disneyland. Another 4 people who visited Anaheim but did not visit Disneyland in September 2017 were also infected with Legionella, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency.
At least 10 of the victims were hospitalized with severe illnesses. Two people died, but neither of them visited Disneyland. One person who died had “additional health issues,” according to health officials.
The ages of the victims range from 52 to 94 years old. There have been no additional cases since September, but anyone who visited Disneyland or Anaheim before November 7 may be at risk of developing Legionnaires’ disease.
Disneyland Shuts Down Cooling Towers for Disinfection
Disneyland shut down 2 cooling towers that are located behind the New Orleans Square Train Station after they tested positive for elevated levels of Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease. The cooling towers were shut down on November 1 for disinfection. They are located in a backstage area about 100 feet away from areas of Disneyland that are accessible to guests.
CDC Reports Outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notified health officials in Orange County in mid-October after several cases of Legionnaires’ disease were reported in people who had traveled to Orange County in September 2017.
Investigators contacted Disney after learning that several of the victims had visited Disneyland. Disney reported that routine testing detected elevated levels of Legionella in October, and that the cooling towers had been disinfected.
Dr. Pamela Hymel, chief medical officer for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, issued the following statement on November 3, 2017:
“On Oct. 27, we learned from the Orange County Health Care Agency of increased Legionnaires’ disease cases in Anaheim. We conducted a review and learned that two cooling towers had elevated levels of Legionella bacteria. These towers were treated with chemicals that destroy the bacteria and are currently shut down.”
What is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a lung infection (bacterial pneumonia) that is caused by the Legionella bacteria. It does not spread from person-to-person. Instead, it spreads when people breathe the bacteria into their lungs by breathing mist, water vapor, or tiny droplets of water that contain the bacteria. Outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease are commonly traced to decorative fountains, hot tubs, showers, and hotels or other large buildings with complex water systems or air-conditioning systems.
Legionnaires’ Disease Symptoms
The symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease can take up to 10 days to appear after a person breathes the bacteria into their lungs. Not everyone has symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they may include:
- cough
- fever
- chills
- shortness of breath
- muscle aches
- headaches
- diarrhea
Do I have a Disneyland Legionnaires’ Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Legionnaires’ disease induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ after visiting Disneyland, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Disease Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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