The Fresno County Public Health Department is investigating the death. The resident’s name, age and date of death have not been released due to patient confidentiality laws. Health officials have not detected Legionnaires’ among any other patients at the facility.
County health officials recommended point-of-use filters for showers, prohibited use of ice machines and recommended the use of bottled water for drinking to protect patients at NorthPointe. The recommendations are to remain in effect until an infection control remediation plan is in place, according to the Fresno Bee.
The investigation marks the second time Fresno health officials have launched a response to a Legionnaires’ death in a local nursing home in the last two months. In January, health officials identified the condition in a patient at Horizon Health & Subacute Center. That case was not fatal.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. It is not spread via person-to-person contact or by drinking water, but can be contracted by inhaling mist from infected water sources, such as cooling misters and plumbing systems.
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