At least 15 people who visited Disneyland or Anaheim, California have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease since September 2017, including 2 people who died.
Need a Texas Legionnaires’ Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease after visiting Disneyland in California, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Disneyland Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak
The outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease infected 15 people who visited Disneyland theme park in Anaheim, California in September 2017. One of the victims is an employee of Disneyland.
Another 4 people from Orange County who did not visit Disneyland but traveled to Anaheim were also infected with Legionnaires’ disease in September 2017. Two of those individuals died of the illness. One person who died had “additional health issues,” according to the Orange County Health Care Agency.
At least 10 of the victims were hospitalized with severe illnesses. All of the victims were between the ages of 52 and 94 years old. There is no ongoing risk associated with the outbreak, health officials said. Anyone who visited Disneyland or Anaheim before November 7 may have been exposed.
Disneyland Shuts Down Cooling Towers for Disinfection
The outbreak may have been caused by Legionella in 2 cooling towers at Disneyland. The cooling towers are in the backstage area near the New Orleans Square Train Station and they are not accessible to guests. Disneyland reported that routine tests on the cooling towers detected elevated levels of Legionella in October. The cooling towers were shut down and disinfected.
CDC Reports Outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease
Disneyland was notified of the outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) identified an unusual cluster of illnesses. Investigators determined that many of the victims had visited Orange County or Disneyland in September 2017.
According to a statement from Dr. Pamela Hymel, chief medical officer for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts 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 type of bacterial pneumonia (lung infection) that occurs when people breathe Legionella bacteria into their lungs. Outbreaks are often traced to decorative fountains, hot tubs, showers in hotels, or air-conditioning systems in large buildings. The bacteria is common in the environment and it spreads in mist or water vapor in the air.
Legionnaires’ Disease Symptoms
Legionnaires’ disease may not cause symptoms for up to 10 days. Not everyone develops symptoms, but if the symptoms do appear, they may include:
- cough
- fever
- chills
- shortness of breath
- muscle aches
- headaches
- diarrhea
Need a Legionnaires’ Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas Legionnaires’ lawyers for a free lawsuit review.