Texas Health Officials Report Deadly Legionnaire’s Outbreak

January 29, 2026 — A deadly outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease has been reported by Texas health officials in Ector County, but the source is still unknown.

According to the Ector County Health Department, there have been 12 confirmed cases of Legionnaire’s disease since mid-November 2025, including 2 deaths.

The cases have been “sporadic around the entire community,” but the number of illnesses increased significantly in December and January 2026, health officials said.

The source has yet to be pinpointed, but Health Department Director Brandy Garcia said there is no reason to believe that the county’s water is to blame for the outbreak. Instead, she said:

“It is recommended that individuals who use respiratory therapy devices with misters or humidifiers always use sterile water and clean devices according to the best practices for each device.”

Legionnaire’s disease is a lung disease that is primarily caused by breathing Legionella bacteria, which is commonly found in water.

Outbreaks are often traced to misters, fountains, humidifiers, hot tubs, and other sources of contaminated airborne water particles.

Health officials in Ector County warned that the illness may result in hospitalization. The illness has a 10% fatality rate. The symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches, altered mental status or confusion.

Need a Legionnaire’s Disease 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 of experience, participation in over 600 jury trials, and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.