[ad_1]
More than 100 residents of a North Portland seniors housing complex were evacuated from their homes on Tuesday after an outbreak of bacterial pneumonia, known as Legionnaires’ disease, killed one and hospitalized four others .
The Multnomah County Health Department said on Tuesday that health officials determined on Jan.4 that the bacteria likely entered the water supply at the Rosemont Court senior residential complex.
Health officials say Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious and most healthy people exposed to Legionella don’t get sick, but for people at increased risk, breathing water droplets with the bacteria can cause severe pneumonia.
It is not yet known how many residents are sick.
After finding out about the problem, Multnomah County officials offered residents temporary accommodation in motels and provided bottled water, hand washing stations and other amenities. Twenty people left Rosemont Court on Monday evening and more moved on Tuesday.
“This is a unique and worrying situation,” said Dr Jennifer Vines, Multnomah County Health Officer, “and we are working with our partners as quickly as possible to determine if other properties or water sources are affected. “
[ad_2]
Source link