Fulton Presbyterian Manor - at 811 Center St. - reported a case of Legionnaires' disease to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services on Friday.
Infection control measures have been implemented to reduce the risk of spreading Legionella bacteria at the senior living community, according to Presbyterian Manor of Mid-America.
Point-of-use water filters are in place, and bottled water and bagged ice are being used during this ongoing process to minimize the risk to residents and visitors. The Missouri DHSS and FPM continue to work together to address the disease.
Legionnaires' disease is a serious form of pneumonia acquired by breathing in small water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. The risk of becoming ill following an exposure may be greater if you are 50 years or older, smoke cigarettes, or have certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system. In general, people do not spread Legionnaires' disease to other people.
If you develop symptoms of pneumonia and have recently stayed at or visited FPM, consult your physician for medical attention.
"While this is very troubling, PMMA communities continue to follow detailed policies to ensure the best outcomes for these kinds of challenges," said Bill Taylor, chief operations officer for Presbyterian Manors Mid-America. "The organization has a simple and straightforward philosophy when it comes to the matter of resident, employee and public safety: safety first."
As part of the ongoing water management program, FPM checked and continues to check disinfectant levels in the water at 10 predetermined sites within the community several times each week, Taylor said.
"These tests indicate effective levels of disinfectant in the water supply," he said. "Over the past six months, testing for legionella bacteria has been completed by both state and private labs, with all results being negative. We will continue to work together to address this challenge."
During this time, FPM continues to take every safety measure possible in following their own water management policies, as well as CDC guidelines to ensure resident, employee, family and public safety, PMMA stated.
Fulton Presbyterian Manor is a PMMA community and is part of the family of 16 PMMA senior living communities and two hospices in Missouri and Kansas. PMMA is a faith-based, nonprofit organization with headquarters located in Wichita, Kansas.