Legionnaires Outbreak: 1 Dead, Residents Evacuated From Oregon Apartment Complex

One person has died after an outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease at an apartment complex in Multnomah County, Oregon. At least four others have been hospitalized while the rest of the residents have been asked to evacuate the building.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Multnomah County health officials said several cases of Legionnaires' disease were reported at Rosemont Court in North Portland. On Monday, a team found that the building's water supply system was the source of the problem. As soon as the issue was detected, officials notified more than 100 residents and offered them to be relocated to motels. By Monday night, 20 residents were relocated, while the others also expressed willingness to move temporarily.

Since Legionella outbreaks in Multnomah County were "rare," County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Vines called it a "unique and concerning situation."

The health department was working to clean the building's plumbing system to remove Legionella bacteria. Dr. Vines said they are also checking the water sources in other properties as well for possible contamination.

Legionnaires' disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Legionella bacteria can be found in freshwater but it becomes problematic and can cause adverse health reactions when it gets into human-made water systems.

When people inhale the small water droplets that contain Legionella, they may run the risk of developing Legionnaire's disease, which is a serious type of pneumonia, or Pontiac Fever, which is a milder infection compared to Legionnaires' disease.

Legionnaires' disease is not known to spread from one person to another. Common signs include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills and muscle aches. Severe cases of Legionnaires' may be marked by cough and chest pain, the Multnomah County statement explained.

Seniors more vulnerable

Although many people who get exposed to Legionella do not get sick, people older than 50 years are at an increased risk of getting sick, the CDC explained. The apartment complex where the outbreak is reported has many elderly residents. Rosemont Court's website describes the housing complex as a "gracious affordable living for seniors." Four residents who were hospitalized, for instance, reportedly developed pneumonia.