Fourth person dies in Legionnaire’s disease outbreak at Albany County assisted living facility

A fourth person has died at an Albany County assisted living facility, where there is an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease.

The outbreak has affected the Peregrine Senior Living Facility at Shaker.

Legionella is a bacteria found in water that can cause a severe type of pneumonia. The Albany County Department of Health confirmed the latest facility. In addition, there were two new cases of legionella and they are awaiting for more test results.

DOH said it would continue to work with Peregrine and local hospitals to ensure that patients with symptoms get tested and treated appropriately.

Peregrine is facing a lawsuit was filed on behalf of an 82-year-old woman who became ill, and is being treated in a rehab facility. 

“We view this sort of outbreak caused by a breakdown in protocol or maintenance or monitoring as being something that was preventable. That’s the key to bringing a lawsuit. Negligence that results from preventable behavior is really what we try to fight against,” said attorney Don Boyajian.

The facility has taken every precaution since learning of the bacterial exposure, they said. Peregrine says water restrictions were put in place before anyone died.

NewsChannel 13 is in contact with the Department of Health to get more answers.

We’ll bring you updates on WNYT.com and our later newscasts.