Washington - Legionella Prevention and Costs of Legionnaires Outbreaks
Historical Headlines Related to Legionella
December 7, 2023
Two patients treated at a medical center in Seattle’s Montlake neighborhood have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. They may have become infected while they were being treated, according to UW Medicine. Both patients were treated in September and one of them has since been discharged, according to a news release. “We don’t know the source of the patients’ infections in these cases, and we may never know because often patients have very complex medical situations,” the health care-associated infections manager at Public Health – Seattle & King County, said in a statement. (Source)
November 29, 2023
Two patients treated at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. According to UW Medicine they may have been infected while they were being treated. One of the patients has since been discharged, according to a news release. “We don’t know the source of the patients’ infections in these cases, and we may never know because often patients have very complex medical situations.” (Source)
August 24, 2023
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health (WWCDCH) confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria in water samples taken from a hotel in Walla Walla. Samples were obtained by county health officials after being notified by state health officials that three guests became ill following their stay. The hotel staff is actively participating in the investigation of the potential sources of exposure to Legionella. (Source)
June 16, 2023
In 2016, Legionella was detected in part of the water supply at the University of Washington Medical Center, where officials said a second person linked to an outbreak died. An ice machine and two sinks in cardiac units of the hospital were found to be contaminated with Legionella, officials said. UWMC intensified testing of water systems throughout the hospital, with focus on the areas where the bacteria were detected. In the Cascade Tower, new filters were installed on sinks, fountains and showers. “We are doing everything that we can identify that is reasonably possible to put in place to reduce the risks to patients, family and staff,” a spokesperson said. (Source)
October 20, 2022
A patient treated at UW Medical Center-Montlake in September was diagnosed with Legionella pneumonia presumed to be a healthcare-associated infection. The diagnosis was made after the patient was transferred to another facility for further care. This is believed to be an isolated case and no additional cases of Legionella have been identified at UW Medical Center - Montlake. The medical center is working closely with Public Health – Seattle & King County and the Washington State Department of Health to investigate this case and to ensure the safety of patients and staff. UW Medical Center has a robust water management plan that includes testing and monitoring of water temperature, chlorine levels and the presence of water-borne bacteria. (Source)
Reported Settlements and Jury Awards
Given the incidence of legionella in Washington, 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
Washington 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 Nevada – Medium
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
