I will disagree that the cause of this couple's illness is a result of "mold." I speak from first hand experience. I've had Legionella Disease in March 2006 and I almost died because of it. I was in the hospital for 10 days, mostly I don't remember anything about the event, except getting a biopsy on my lungs to figure out what the problem was. Then it was finally diagnosed Legionella and the doctors could focus on a cure. Which by the way, was successful! (I'm still here, but do have some diminished lung capacity, to this day).
I say this, because "mold" is not the cause of Legionella. The couple you are referring to may both indeed, hve Legionella, but they did not get it from mold. Even 10 years ago, they knew mold was not the cause. Here's a medical description of the desiese, what causes it, and what to look for. It's not Mold.
By the way, my previous history from about 2 weeks before reaching death's door, I encountered all 5 of these causes listed below. I was never exposed to "mold."
From the Center for Disease Control and Prevention vsite:
Legionella is a type of bacterium found naturally in fresh water. When people are exposed to the bacterium, it can cause illness (Legionnairesโ disease and Pontiac fever). This bacterium grows best in warm water, like the kind found in
Hot tubs
Cooling towers (air-conditioning units for large buildings)
Hot water tanks
Large plumbing systems
Decorative fountains
Legionella are NOT spread from one person to another person.
Cooling towers use water to remove heat from a process or building. They are often part of the air conditioning systems of large buildings. In contrast, home and car air conditioning units do not use water to cool, so they do not aerosolize water (spread small droplets of water in the air) and are not a risk for Legionella growth.
Exposure and Transmission
People are exposed to Legionella when they breathe in a mist or vapor (small droplets of water in the air) containing the bacteria. One example might be from breathing in droplets sprayed from a hot tub that has not been properly cleaned and disinfected.
Less commonly, Legionella can be transmitted via aspiration of drinking water, which is when water โgoes down the wrong pipe,โ into the trachea (windpipe) and lungs instead of down the digestive tract. People at increased risk of aspiration include those with swallowing difficulties.
Legionella cannot spread from one person to another person. A person diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease or Pontiac fever is not a threat to family members, co-workers, or others. However, if you believe that your workplace was the source of the person's illness, contact your local health department.
Most people exposed to the bacteria do not become ill. If you have reason to believe you were exposed to the bacteria, talk to your doctor or local health department. Be sure to mention if you have spent any nights away from home in the last two weeks.
