Case of <a href="https://healthylife7.com/upper-east-side-legionnaires-outbreak-jumps-to-59-cases-ahead-of-monday-virtual-town-hall/” title=”Upper East Side Legionnaires’ outbreak jumps to 59 cases ahead of Monday virtual town hall”>Legionnaires‘ disease reported at rehabilitation center in Providence
Mon, July 13, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Rhode Island Department of Health. (WJAR)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) —A case of Legionnaires’ disease has been reported in association with the Elmhurst Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious kind of pneumonia caused by ingesting the Legionella bacteria, which can grow in warm or slow-moving water. According to the Centers for Disease Control, around 1 in 10 people who develop the disease will die from complications; that number rises to 1 in 4 people for those who get the disease while staying in a healthcare facility
RIDOH says that buildings with complex water systems are more vulnerable to the growth of Legionella bacteria
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The disease does not typically transmit person-to-person. According to RIDOH, the state usually has around 50 cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported each year
RIDOH says they are currently working on installing point-of-use filters at the center, while providing their administrators with infection prevention guidance. In the meantime, the center’s residents are using bottled water only
