Legionnaires’ Disease Monitoring in Ross County, Ohio

Quick Outbreak Details:

Outbreak Dates (2023): January – December 2023

Confirmed Cases: 5

Deaths: 0

Exposure Source: No common source identified; no outbreak confirmed

In 2023, Ross County, Ohio, including Chillicothe, reported five confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease (legionellosis). According to the Ross County Health District, these cases are isolated and do not meet the definition of an outbreak, as no common exposure source has been identified.

Ross County Legionnaires’ Disease Overview

While no outbreak has been declared in Chillicothe or greater Ross County, public health officials are monitoring Legionella activity closely. The five reported cases in 2023 were independently confirmed and investigated. According to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), an outbreak is defined as two or more cases linked to the same location within 12 months. This has not occurred in Ross County to date.

Legionella is a bacterium that naturally exists in water systems and thrives in warm, stagnant environments. Inhaling aerosolized water droplets from sources like hot tubs, fountains, or plumbing systems can lead to infection. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia, while a milder version is known as Pontiac Fever.

Public Health Response in Chillicothe and Ross County

The Ross County Health District, in coordination with ODH, continuously monitors confirmed cases. Because no presumptive healthcare-associated or outbreak-linked cases were identified in 2023, no comprehensive environmental sampling was warranted.

Although Ohio has systems in place to investigate outbreaks, routine testing and mitigation strategies are generally activated only when specific thresholds (such as linked cases) are met.

There is no evidence of Legionella contamination in local healthcare facilities or public locations, and the health department has closed its investigation into the 2023 cases.

Should Residents Be Concerned?

While legionellosis is rare, it remains a serious illness. Most people exposed to Legionella bacteria do not get sick, but individuals over 50, smokers, and those with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems are at increased risk.

Because Legionnaires’ disease is not transmitted person-to-person, community-wide outbreaks usually stem from shared water systems. Though no common source was found in these five cases, Ross County residents should still be alert for symptoms like:

• Persistent cough
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Fever or chills
  
• Muscle aches or headaches

If you experience these symptoms and believe you may have been exposed, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Legal Considerations for Legionnaires’ Disease Cases

Even when an official outbreak is not declared, legal options may exist for individuals diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. Our legal team works with experts to determine possible sources of exposure and identify liability if negligent maintenance of water systems occurred.

Whether you visited a hotel, gym, senior living facility, or hospital in Ross County, and later developed symptoms, a review of your case may be warranted.

Contact Us

Have you or a family member been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease in Ross County, Ohio?

• Get medical attention immediately
  
• Document your travel, activities, and potential exposure sites
  
• Reach out to a legal professional for support and guidance