South Carolina - Legionella Prevention and Costs of Legionnaires Outbreaks
Historical Headlines Related to Legionella
March 29, 2023
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control researchers have identified and confirmed one case of Legionnaire’s Disease amongst the residents at the Ridgeway Manor Healthcare Center. Four more probable cases were identified and are being investigated after reviewing a list of all residents who reported lower respiratory illness during the last 12 months, lived at the facility, and who had no alternative diagnosis. The well water sample taken at the facility tested negative for the presence of Legionella. The investigation into the source or sources of Legionnaires’ at this facility is ongoing. (Source)
March 15, 2023
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is investigating Legionnaires’ Disease cases at a Midlands nursing home. DHEC said multiple cases are being investigated in relation to the Ridgeway Manor Healthcare Center. The department said, “The facility’s staff have been cooperating with DHEC’s investigation, which includes efforts to identify the source or sources of the Legionella bacteria.” (Source)
December 7, 2022
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases that has included 13 people so far. DHEC’s investigation includes efforts to determine the source of the disease cluster in the community, which can be quite complex. It is often not possible to determine the origin of the bacteria that has infected people as water from cooling towers, hot tubs, misters, decorative fountains and plumbing systems are all possible sources of infection. (Source)November 30, 2022
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases involving thirteen people. DHEC’s investigation includes efforts to determine the source of the disease cluster in the community. DHEC said it is often not possible to determine the origin of the bacteria that infected people as water from cooling towers, hot tubs, misters, decorative fountains and plumbing systems are all possible sources of infection. (Source)
October 27, 2022
An investigation is being performed by South Carolina's top health agency of recently-identified Legionnaires' disease cases in Richland County. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced in a health advisory on Friday that it had found cases of the disease along with "individuals with clinically compatible illness" who work at a manufacturing facility in Richland County. (Source)
October 20, 2022
The top health agency in South Carolina is investigating cases of recently-identified Legionnaires' disease in Richland County. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced that it had found cases of the disease along with "individuals with clinically compatible illness" who work at a manufacturing facility in Richland County. (Source)
Reported Settlements and Jury Awards
Given the incidence of legionella in South Carolina, and its associated harm, personal injury claims and litigation are also becoming more frequent. Reported settlements and jury awards are unavailable at this time.
State Cap on Jury Awards
South Carolina does not have a cap on the award amounts allowable by law. In addition, public health notices and negative media attention can also lead to business interruption and reputation damage.
Groundwater Temperature Risk Level – Medium
Overall Liabliity and Risk for South Carolina – High
No, ASHRAE 188 is not part of the state code
Legionella and Water Management Plan Assistance
Need help? For Legionella consulting and services, Water Management Plans, Legionella Control Systems, and Legionella testing please contact us at Legionella Control Systems at 888-416-8626 or info@legionellacontrolsystems.com
