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Health offiicials believe the deaths of two residents of The Park of Vernon Hills are related to an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease. A third resident of The Park also was disagnosed with the bacterial disease and remains hospitalized.
According to Leslie Piotrowski, a spokeswoman for the Lake County Health Department, "At this point in time, it looks like this illness is contained. It’s not contagious. But we have notified primary care providers throughout Lake County to be looking for people with pneumonia, just as a precaution."
About 260 people live at The Park of Vernon Hills, 145 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills, IL. The Park of Vernon Hills is part of Horizon Bay Reitrement Living, a company that operates retirement communities throughout the country.
The source of this Legionnaires outbreak is under investigation. However, Legionnaires may occur in long-term care facilities due to contaminated water or heating equipment. Authorities suspect Legionnaires is contracted by inhaling airborne water droplets containing legionellae.
Legionnaires disease is particularly dangerous for the elderly because they are significantly more susceptible to complications from pneumonia and fever compared to the general population. Fatality rates attributed to legionnaires are believed to be between 5 and 50%.
If you or a family member live at The Park of Vernon Hills and have questions about you legal rights, we would honor the opportunity to speak with you. For more than 30 years Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has championed the rights of the elderly. (888) 424-5757
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7 Cases Of Legionnaires Disease Attributed To Assisted Living Facility