By Marcelle Dibrell
A Florida man is dead and another is extremely ill after contracting Legionnaire’s Disease they got while sitting in a condominium hot tub, according to their lawyer.
On April 9, the Cammalleri and Spagnolo families filed a lawsuit against The Renaissance of Pompano Beach II, Inc., where they allege the men contracted the disease.
Vincenzo Cammallerri and his friend Giuseppe Spagnola were staying at the condominium in January and February when they both tested positive for Legionnaire’s. According to the complaint filed in the Broward County Circuit Court, both of the men regularly used the hot tub and the areas near it during the time they were there.
Court documents state, “the Jacuzzi (sic) was raging with active Legionella.” Legionella is the bacteria responsible for Legionnaire’s Disease. The disease is contracted by breathing aerosolized water droplets contaminated with it.
Court documents do not make it clear if the spa was ever tested for the bacteria.
Eric Shane, the family’s lawyer, said, “Jacuzzis (sic) are breeding
The CDC reccommends regular maintenance of hot tubs to safeguard against Legionnella bacteria in spas. Removal of biofilm layer; replacing the cartridge filter; replacing the water regularly. Photo credit: Centers for Disease Control. grounds for this type of bacteria to form and develop because of the heat of the water and the amount of bathers who use them; the heat will burn through the chlorine.”
The lawsuit alleges that the condominium operators failed to adequately maintain the spa, “allowing visible debris, algae, and biofilm to manifest in the Jacuzzi (sic) without taking responsive action.”
On February 19 and 20, both men began developing symptoms, which included a fever and uncharacteristic fatigue. Cammallerri was hospitalized at that time.
He died on March 16, having spent nearly a month in the hospital.
Spagnola was also treated at the hospital and suffers permanent and lasting injuries, the suit alleges.
Nina Cammallerri, Vincenzo’s wife of 60 years, filed the lawsuit on behalf of the two men, seeking $50,000 each in damages. The families are demanding a jury trial.
