Miami Valley Hospital: Legionnaires’ disease infects patients

Elk & Elk is looking into an incident in which Legionella bacteria contaminated a new wing at Miami Valley Hospital in southwest Ohio.

If you or someone you know has been affected by Legionnaires’ disease as a result of being present at Miami Valley Hospital earlier this year, Elk & Elk wants to hear from you. We’re here 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year to take your call and field your questions. Just call 1-800-ELK-OHIO or click to complete our free, no-obligation case evaluation form online.

At least one death has been reported in connection with a recent Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at the Dayton-area hospital’s new 12-story, $135 million addition, which began operating on Dec. 28, 2010. Investigators discovered the new facility’s water system had become contaminated with the bacteria after four patients initially were infected by the waterborne disease.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe, pneumonia-like condition with symptoms similar to the flu: Cough, chills, shortness of breath, fever, headaches and muscle aches. It must be treated with antibiotics. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the death rate for those infected by Legionnaires’ disease falls around 40 percent. The agency reports anywhere from 8,000 to 18,000 people are infected with the bacteria each year in the U.S.

According to the CDC, Legionnaires’ disease is not transferred from person to person. Rather, it is passed along through water vapor – tiny droplets of water in the air – such as mist from a shower or steam from a hot tub or a spa that hasn’t been properly maintained and disinfected. In Miami Valley Hospital’s case, health officials discovered the Legionella bacteria in the new patient wing’s hot water system.

Elk & Elk wants to make sure you and your family are protected in the event you or someone you know has been infected by Legionnaires’ disease through the negligence of a health care provider. We are prepared to thoroughly investigate the origin of your ailment; hold accountable those responsible and secure you any compensation that you’re due – all without any up-front cost. If we take your case and do not reach a successful outcome, you and your family will owe us nothing.

Contact Elk & Elk immediately if you or someone you know has been affected by the Miami Valley Hospital Legionnaires’ disease outbreak. Once again, our staff is here to take your call all day, every day at 1-800-ELK-OHIO, or click here to be directed to our online case evaluation form.