Case of Legionnaires' disease confirmed at Auburn assisted living facility
AUBURN — A spokesman for Brookdale Eddy Pond assisted living facility has confirmed an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease.
Brookdale, at 669 Washington St., also serves people with memory issues.
"Our greatest concern is the health of the residents of our community, so we have responded quickly and proactively to this situation. We cannot comment on the identified case(s) given confidentiality restrictions," a spokesman for Brookdale Senior Living, based in Tennessee, said in a statement.
"We are working with a national water treatment company and are following their protocols and recommendations regarding Legionella bacteria. At this time, no one knows the source of the bacteria; however, we are taking a proactive approach to help stop any spread of this bacteria."
The spokesman declined to say when the signs of Legionnaires' disease began or how many people were affected.
According to the Mayo Clinic, "Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia — lung inflammation usually caused by infection. It's caused by a bacterium known as legionella."
It can be deadly in the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
The state's Executive Officer of Elder Affairs said they are, "actively monitoring the situation and is in regular correspondence with Brookdale Eddy Pond."
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This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Case of Legionnaires' disease confirmed at Brookdale Eddy Pond, Auburn
