By Teddy Cambosa

A bacterial pneumonia outbreak, known as Legionnaires’ disease has hit a Portland-based senior housing complex, leaving 1 dead and 4 hospitalized as more than 100 residents were evacuated from the housing complex.

This image depicts two Legionella pneumophila bacterial colonies (arrowheads), amongst other bacterial colonies grown on BCYE (Buffered Charcoal Yeast Extract) agar/CDC

A report released by the Multnomah County Health Department said that the outbreak is caused by contaminated water that has entered the Rosemont Court senior living complex. Health authorities further say that people that have increased risk, including senior members of the community, have a greater risk for Legionnaires disease, albeit being not contagious in nature.

“This is a unique and concerning situation,” said Dr. Jennifer Vines, Multnomah County Health Officer, “and we are working with our partners as quickly as we can to determine if other properties or water sources are affected.”

As the number of sick are yet to be verified, temporary housing at motels and provided bottled water, handwashing stations and other amenities are being handed out by Multnomah authorities for people who have relocated after the outbreak.


Teddy Cambosa is a graduating BS Biology student and a former campus journalist at Batangas State University. He is also currently writing for MARKETECH APAC, a small APAC-focused marketing news site.