Another Respiratory Outbreak Found At Burke Retirement Community

BURKE, VA — After a respiratory outbreak killed three and sickened others at a Springfield retirement community, health officials are investigating an outbreak at another place in Burke.

The Fairfax County Health Department says there's been an outbreak of respiratory symptoms at Heatherwood Retirement Community. WJLA reported that 25 people fell ill at the retirement community. Two of these reportedly had pneumonia. Most of the ill Heatherwood residents have recovered, the health department said in a Thursday update.

"The Health Department is working with Heatherwood to ensure appropriate measures are taken to reduce the risk of infection and keep residents safe," reads a health department statement.

Health officials say there's "no evidence" the outbreak is connected to the one at Greenspring Retirement Community in Springfield. That outbreak has killed three residents and sickened 63 since June 30. The third death was announced on Wednesday. In addition, 19 employees have also reported respiratory symptoms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 17 specimens from ill Greenspring residents but did not identify a cause of the outbreak. Samples from Heatherwood have also being sent to the CDC.

The health department says it doesn't know how much the respiratory illness factored into the three deaths, as it isn't aware of those residents' full medical history.

Symptoms of the outbreak at Greenspring have ranged from a cough to pneumonia. The outbreak has only impacted the assisted and skilled nursing units at Greenspring. Measures to prevent infection are being implemented throughout the retirement community.

These types of outbreaks aren't uncommon, but they usually happen in winter or flu season rather than summer.