Legionnaire's Disease has been in the news a lot lately. An Italian woman recently died from it, and several medical malpractice lawsuits have been filed recently in relation to an outbreak at a single U.S. hospital in early 2011.

Legionnaire's Disease is a severe form of pneumonia that is caused by a bacterium known as legionella. It involves inflammation of the lungs caused by an infection. It can be fatal, particularly among elderly patients or those with weak immune systems.

An apparent outbreak at a medical center in February 2011 has led to four lawsuits so far, according to Dayton Daily News. Hospital officials apparently believe that the outbreak was caused by an insufficient hot water system in a new addition to the facility.

The most recent lawsuit was filed earlier this month, alleging a man became seriously ill after contracting Legionnaire's Disease. Just the week before that, the family of a 94-year-old man alleged he died last March as a result of the disease. The families of two other elderly patients who died are also represented in that complaint.

Two other lawsuits had been filed in January against the hospital, alleging that three other patients contracted the disease while staying at the hospital.

Hospital staff had apparently lowered the temperature of the hot water to prevent scalding. While their intentions may have been good, the situation became a breeding ground for bacteria and created serious danger for susceptible patients.

Legionnaire's Disease is a serious condition that can often be prevented if proper medical procedures are followed.

Source: Dayton Daily News, "Legionnaire's disease outbreak at MVH draws lawsuits," Ben Sutherly, Feb. 13, 2012