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An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at an apartment complex in Portland, Ore., Has killed at least one person and hospitalized four more, officials said this week.
The Multnomah County Health Department, in a Tuesday press release, said more than 100 residents of Rosemont Court in north Portland have been urged to temporarily relocate after several people fell ill with pneumonia .
Investigations on Monday found that the building’s water supply was the likely source of the Legionnaires’ outbreak.
The health department “is now working with Northwest Housing Alternatives, owner of Rosemont Court, to temporarily relocate residents and ensure proper cleaning of the building’s plumbing system to remove any remaining Legionella bacteria,” which is naturally found in the building. ‘fresh water,’ but can cause health problems if it enters a building’s water supply, ”health officials said.
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Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia. People get the disease by inhaling Legionella bacteria. The disease does not spread from person to person.
Legionella pneumophila, a bacteria, is usually the cause of the disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can be found in soil and water, but more often causes infection when it multiplies in water systems such as spas and air conditioners.
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“This is a unique and worrying situation and we are working with our partners as quickly as possible to determine if any other properties or water sources are affected,” said Dr Jennifer Vines, Multnomah County Health Officer. , in a press release.
Residents have been offered temporary accommodation in local motels, with 20 residents opting out of the building on Monday night and more are expected to follow suit, according to the health department.
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