NYS, Albany Health department concludes investigation into Legionella outbreak at facility

MARCH 27, 2019 UPDATE:

GUILDERLAND, NY (WRGB) The NYS Department of Health, in conjunction with the Albany County Health Department say they have completed their investigation after Legionella bacteria was discovered at an assisted living facility.

Officials say the facility, formerly a Best Western Hotel, was renovated to become Promenade at University Place Assisted Living facility.

Earlier in 2018, two people tested positive for Legionella, one later died.

A laboratory compared the strain to the outbreak back in 2012, while the facility was still a Best Western. The two, according to the health department, was a 'molecular match'.

The State health department says that the living assistance facility has taken action including hiring a consultant firm to develop a long term plan to ensure water safety.

The facility says it is using bottled water for drinking and oral care, and shower filters installed in occupied resident rooms.

According to the State Health Department, a new treatment system, designed specifically to treat Legionella bacteria, has been installed and additional water samples are being collected to confirm that the system is effectively treating Legionella throughout the facility.

They say there have been no new outbreaks.

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GUILDERLAND, N.Y. (WRGB) - The Albany County Department of Health says two people at the Promenade senior living community tested positive for Legionella, and one of those people has died.

However, they say the exact cause of death has not been confirmed.

Officials say preliminary water samples taken from the facility revealed the bacteria.

The NYS DOH is responsible for overseeing assisted living facilities.

A spokesperson says they are monitoring the situation and working with management to ensure the safety of other residents living here.

Officials say water restrictions have been put in place, including new shower filters and bottled water for drinking.

This is not the first time legionella has been discovered at this location.

The state confirms from 2010 to 2012, when the building was a Best Western, legionella was found in 19 people with exposure to the hotel.

Legionella is transmitted by breathing in small droplets of water that contain the bacteria.

It is not spread from person to person, but it can be especially severe for the elderly.

Schenectady city Councilwoman Leesa Perazzo says her 87-year-old father had the disease last summer.

"He had this cold he just couldn't quite get over, and then he ended up with a fever, and he just kept declining and it got to the point where we needed to call an ambulance because he collapsed," she said.

Perazzo says he was in the hospital for 6 days and then in recovery for 6 weeks.

"He couldn't support his own weight and it was very intense. I wish my very best for the people that are now battling this health condition because it's a challenge," Perazzo said.

Officials say final results from water samples should be ready within a week.

The Times Union originally reported on the Legionnaires' disease cases in Albany.