Focus: Infection Control

Expert says Flint's Legionnaires' outbreak likely killed more people than reported

The death toll attributed to the 2014-2015 Legionnaires' outbreak in Michigan may exceed the 12 reported deaths


One expert says the death toll attributed to the 2014-2015 Legionnaires' outbreak in Flint, Mich., may exceed the 12 reported deaths, according to an article on the Becker's Hospital Review website.

Marcus Zervos, MD, an infectious disease physician at Detroit's Henry Ford Health System and the co-principal investigator of Detroit-based Wayne State University's study of Flint's water contamination crisis, testified in the preliminary hearing of Michigan HHS Director Nick Lyon. 

Lyon faces  one count of involuntary manslaughter for his alleged role in interfering with state-funded research linking Flint River water to the Legionnaires' outbreak.

Zervos testified that a patient could contract Legionella bacteria while in a hospital, but dye six months later of heart failure. If the bacteria weakened the heart, a disease specialist could consider the death as being spurred by the infection.

Read the article.

 

 



October 16, 2017


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

EV Charging Stations: Planning for Safety, Convenience, Expansion

Managers need to ensure patient access, coordinate with clinical operations and ensure every phase of construction supports the facility's mission.


Why Ambulatory Surgery Centers Are Turning to Dedicated HVAC Systems

Design experts from Neenan Archistruction explain how single-unit HVAC systems for each operating room enhance infection control, comfort, and resiliency.


Ground Broken on UW Health University Row Medical Center

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.


Better, More Thorough Cleaning Saves Lives

Cleanliness is the first line of defense to protect patients from killer pathogens, but many hospitals refuse to make it a priority.


Encompass Health Opens the Rehabilitation Hospital of Amarillo

The 50-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital is now accepting patients.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.