Legionnaire Disease: A Preventable Problem Plaguing Healthcare Facilities

​Hospitals and nursing homes must do more to reduce the risks of people contracting Legionnaires disease in their facilities, according to recent communications from two government agencies. An analysis of 2,809 confirmed cases of Legionnaire diseases revealed that 20% (553 cases) were "definitely" or "possibly" healthcare associated, according to a June 6, 2017, report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Among the 85 cases that were definitely associated with a healthcare facility, 78 occurred in a long-term facility and 15 were associated with a hospital. In a June 6, 2017, article on NPR.org, the acting director of the CDC said she was "surprised" by the findings. "We know if those facilities have an effective water-management system they can prevent these infections," she said.