The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) confirmed a fifth case of Legionnaires’ disease in a guest who stayed at The Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations in Waikiki.
According to the Hawai'i DOH, the fifth case was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease on May 23. The individual is a non-Hawai’i resident whose stay at the Grand Islander began on Apr. 25.
“DOH continues to work to ensure that the Grand Islander takes action to remediate the building and other possible sources of exposure,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble, reported Hawai’i DOH. “Individuals who stay at the Grand Islander should keep these recent cases in mind, and if they have flu-like symptoms following a stay at the hotel, should seek medical care immediately.”
The first case was diagnosed in Jun. 2021, the second case Mar. 6 or 7, the third case on Apr. 2, and the fourth case on April 26, reported Hawai’i DOH.
Point-of-use filters were installed in guest room showers as a mitigation step.
The Hawai’i DOH added that “most healthy people exposed to Legionella bacteria do not develop Legionnaires’ disease. Those at increased risk include people 50 and older, current or former smokers, and people with a chronic lung disease, weakened immune system, cancer, or underlying conditions.”
The Pritzker Hageman Legionnaires’ disease lawyers have been hired to represent several clients who were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. These people were traveling to Waikiki from states including Iowa and Texas, reported Pritzker Law.
“No one expects to contract a potentially deadly disease while on a beautiful tropical vacation. The Hilton Grand Islander could have taken simple steps to prevent the proliferation of the bacteria in their water system, yet visitors continued to fall ill month after month,” said Pritzker Hageman Attorney Alicia Brenhaug.
A statement from an HGV Spokesperson adds that:
“Our top priority at The Grand Islander is to provide a safe environment for our owners, guests, and team members. We have been working closely with the Hawaii Department of Health as they conduct their investigation. We have also engaged leading experts and under their direction and are implementing additional precautionary measures at The Grand Islander to ensure our safeguards are in line with best practices.”
