Vermont - Legionella Prevention and Costs of Legionnaires Outbreaks
Historical Headlines Related to Legionella
October 20, 2022
According to the Vermont Department of Health, one person has died after a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases were found in Franklin County. Of the five confirmed cases in August, one person in their 70s died from the bacteria and the source of the infections is still unknown. Health officials previously said there is no known common source of exposure among the five patients, although all of them spent time in Franklin County during their incubation periods. (Source)
October 13, 2022
The Vermont Department of Health reported that five patients who reside in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease. The patients were diagnosed in August, but health officials have not identified common sources of exposure among them. (Source)
October 7, 2022
Five confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease were identified by the Vermont Department of Health in Franklin County. These cases included one death of an individual in their 70’s, but the source of the infections remains unknown. The cluster of cases, reported between August 12 and August 29, appear to have been clustered in the St Albans area. Although no common source of the infections was been found, officials said the general risk to residents of St Albans and Franklin County is very low, as most healthy people exposed to the bacteria that cause Legionnaires’ disease do not get sick. (Source)
September 26, 2022
Five patients who reside in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease according to the Vermont Department of Health. The patients were diagnosed between August 9 and August 27, but health officials have not identified common sources of exposure among them. (Source)
Reported Settlements and Jury Awards
Given the incidence of legionella in Vermont, 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
Vermont 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 Liability and Risk for Vermont – 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
