Indiana - Legionella Prevention and Costs of Legionnaires Outbreaks
Historical Headlines Related to Legionella
October 18, 2024
A Witham Hospital patient tested positive for the Legionella antigen in August, the hospital announced in a prepared statement. A positive Legionella antigen test means the patient “has, or has had, an infection at some point,” and only one Witham patient in the extended care unit was found to have the infection, according to the statement. It is unclear where the patient came into contact with Legionella, or which group of Legionella the patient had, as the antigen test does not provide that information. Witham is taking extra safety precautions regarding water, including using bottled water for patient care, staff, and guests. “Point-of-use filters have been added to ice machines, and additional water filters have been installed in showers and sinks,” the hospital statement reads. (Source)
October 18, 2024
The Lebanon Utilities Department issued a statement regarding reports that “legionella antigen” was discovered in a local water source. The statement notes that the bacteria has been identified and is contained within a private water system and will not affect residences. The department stated that reports have been received for the presence of “legionella antigen” within Witham Hospital’s private water system. However, the department stated that the legionella bacteria is not present within the Lebanon Utility water system and will not affect local residences that utilize the department’s services. (Source)
September 21, 2023
In Indiana, the Pendleton Correctional Facility faces lawsuits from more than 60 inmates who say exposure to bacteria led to several illnesses. In 2021, one inmate died from Legionnaire's disease at the prison. The Department of Correction subsequently pledged to take action to limit exposure to contaminated water. The inmates in most of the lawsuits complain of respiratory problems and have filed grievances at the prison. When those complaints have been dismissed, they have followed up with appeals to the DOC and eventually federal lawsuits.
SourceSeptember 5, 2024
A Brazil, Indiana nursing home is now under investigation by the Clay County Health Department as one of its residents was relocated after testing positive for Legionnaires’ disease. Program Manager for the Clay County Health Department, Christina Carrico, said places with large water systems like the nursing home are often associated with this disease. Nursing home officials said that they are currently conducting a water test, providing bottled water to its residents, staff, and visitors, and installing filters in the showers and ice machines. Carrico said the health department plans to help the facility in multiple ways so that it can continue with its day-to-day operations. (Source)
April 26, 2023
A family listened to their son’s heartbeat for the first time since his death after donating his heart to a Milwaukee police veteran. The police veteran underwent triple bypass surgery and experienced multiple heart attacks. He spent years undiagnosed with Legionnaire’s disease. “When I came to after my transplant surgery, I wanted to immediately pay things forward and connect with my donor hero’s family to thank them and become a part of their family,” he said. (Source)
March 15, 2023
Warsaw Code Enforcement evaluated three rental property cases. In the first case, a renter said she had been living in her unit for roughly three years and had been experiencing severe water leakage for nearly the entire time, despite making many maintenance requests. The ceiling, walls, floor and windows of the unit were affected by the ongoing leakage as there was water damage marks evident on the wood and suspected mold growing. White said her health is now suffering from the state of her apartment as she has developed legionnaires disease, which is an infection in the lungs that can be caused by breathing in droplets of water. (Source)
August 5, 2022
Marion County Health Department has been inspecting hundreds of pools this summer to prevent illness. These public pool illnesses includ Legionnaires' disease. The MCPHD inspects more than 900 private and public pools year-round. “We do close pools daily, unfortunately. It is not common, but it is about 10% of the time," said pool specialist Michael Furnas, who tests pH levels and disinfectant concentration, like chlorine and bromine. "So, every day, unfortunately, I have to close about one pool in the county or issue an emergency notice, a violation which is a warning where we allow them to self-close and fix the issues. Then, we recheck in the following days." (Source)
May 25, 2022
IDOC (Indiana Department of Correction) issued an update about the outbreak at the Pendleton Correctional Facility. IDOC stated that it properly responded to the outbreak: “IDOC also took immediate steps to limit further exposure to the bacteria for both staff and incarcerated individuals by installing point of use filters on shower heads within the facility, which provide a barrier against waterborne contaminants, including Legionella bacteria, allowing the incarcerated population to shower safely." (Source)
2022
Indiana Department of Correction officials reported an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in December 2021 among inmates at the Pendleton Correctional Facility. (Source)
2022
Three Indiana government employees recovered from Legionnaires’ disease in July 2019, after contracting the bacteria from a cooling tower. Two patients at IU Health University Hospital in Indianapolis died in February 2014 after contracting Legionella pneumonia. These are only a snapshot of the cases reported to local health departments in Indiana.
Reported Settlements and Jury Awards
Given the incidence of legionella in Indiana, and its associated harm, personal injury claims and litigation are also becoming more frequent. Reported settlements and jury awards range from $255,000 to $5.2 million.
State Cap on Jury Awards
Pursuant to IC 34-18-14-3, Indiana has 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 Indiana – Medium
Yes, ASHRAE 188 is 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
