Update from Administrator – Legionella – October 9, 2020
October 9, 2020
Dear Residents, Family and Visitors:
We have just become aware of one case of Legionella pneumonia in the community. We want to take this opportunity to provide you with information about Legionella and what we are doing to keep our residents, families, visitors, and staff safe.
Legionella bacteria live naturally in fresh water and rarely cause illness. In certain situations, Legionella can also grow in other water settings, such as showers and faucets, cooling towers, decorative fountains and hot tubs. People can develop Legionella pneumonia by breathing in small droplets of water (such as steam or mist) that contain the bacteria. People with chronic lung disease or a weak immune system, as well as people who take drugs that suppress the immune system are greatest risk of contracting Legionella. The bacteria are rarely, if ever, transmitted from one person to another.
Our staff immediately enacted safety precautions, while water testing is taking place. Bottle water is being used, along with an enhanced filtration system. Additionally, we have taken steps to further mediate this potential problem through working with various vendors, our management company, and the state of Rhode Island Department of Health.
The health and well-being of our residents is always our primary concern and thus we feel it best to take these advanced steps to ensure for their wellbeing while further tests are conducted.
We understand that you have concerns about Legionella, and we want to assure you that we are taking all steps necessary to reduce the risk of transmission. If you have any questions, the Oakland Grove team will be happy to answer them at any time.
Sincerely,
Sue LaNinfa
Administrator