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Flint's Deadly Water (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

FRONTLINE PBS | Official・36 minutes read

Numerous deaths from Legionnaires' disease occurred in Flint, Michigan, during a water crisis overshadowed by lead poisoning. State officials faced scrutiny for neglecting to test the water and issues of transparency during the outbreak, with charges against officials dropped, leaving accountability uncertain.

Insights

  • Neglecting to test the water despite recommendations was a critical misstep that contributed to the Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Flint, Michigan, resulting in multiple deaths and severe health consequences for survivors like Jassmine McBride.
  • The resistance from state officials towards scientific investigations, the denial of access to crucial data, and the pressure on scientists to align results with the state's narrative highlight a concerning pattern of interference that hindered the understanding and management of the Legionnaires' outbreak, raising questions about transparency and accountability in public health crises.

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Recent questions

  • What caused the Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Flint?

    Neglected water testing and source switch led to outbreak.

  • How did the Legionnaires' outbreak in Flint affect residents?

    Residents faced exposure to lead-tainted water and health issues.

  • Who was Jassmine McBride, and what health issues did she face?

    Jassmine McBride was a survivor with weakened heart and lungs.

  • How did state officials respond to the Legionnaires' outbreak in Flint?

    State officials faced criticism for neglecting outbreak testing.

  • What were the consequences of the Legionnaires' outbreak in Flint?

    Outbreak led to high lead levels, charges, and health issues.

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Summary

00:00

Flint Legionnaires' Outbreak: Neglected Water Testing

  • Multiple people fell ill and died due to Legionnaires' disease in Flint, Michigan.
  • A "Frontline" exclusive investigation delved into the deaths, revealing a concerning pattern.
  • Michigan officials were questioned about their knowledge and actions regarding the outbreak.
  • Testing the water was recommended as a crucial step that was neglected.
  • A new pipeline project aimed to provide fresh water to Michigan, promising economic benefits.
  • The pipeline project led to a public health crisis in Flint, exposing residents to lead-tainted water.
  • The Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Flint was overshadowed by the lead poisoning crisis.
  • The Legionnaires' outbreak was one of the largest in U.S. history but received little attention.
  • The outbreak began in June 2014, with the first patient showing severe symptoms.
  • Concerns were raised about the decision to switch Flint's water source, leading to the outbreak.

14:08

Legionnaires' Outbreak in Flint: Negligence and Misconduct

  • By the end of 2014, there were 40 confirmed cases of Legionnaires', resulting in three deaths.
  • Jassmine McBride, a survivor, faced severe health issues post-recovery, including weakened heart and lungs, and damaged kidneys.
  • Her doctor, Marcus Zervos, aimed to heal her wounds for a potential transplant.
  • Despite the Legionnaires' outbreak coinciding with a water supply switch, state officials did not test the water.
  • County health officials failed to send out an alert about the outbreak, leaving many uninformed.
  • The CDC offered assistance to investigate the Legionnaires' outbreak, but state health officials declined.
  • Governor Rick Snyder and his aides were aware of the outbreak, with 90 confirmed cases and 12 deaths in a year and a half.
  • The water crisis in Flint led to high lead levels, prompting a return to Detroit water.
  • A criminal investigation was launched, leading to charges against nine officials for misconduct and negligence.
  • The scientific investigation into the Legionnaires' outbreak faced resistance from state officials, hindering data access and patient interactions.

28:17

Flint Water Crisis: Pneumonia Deaths Investigated

  • Pneumonia deaths during the water crisis were examined due to potential misdiagnoses.
  • Access to investigating pneumonia deaths was denied, leading to suspicions of state interests conflicting with public health.
  • "Frontline" reporters analyzed every death record in the county during a seven-year period.
  • Dozens were found to have died of pneumonia during the Legionnaires' outbreak, contradicting the state's reported death toll.
  • Scientists found Legionella in water entering people's homes after testing.
  • Scientists shared their findings at a local library, revealing Legionella and other bacteria in water filters.
  • Top aide to Governor Snyder pressured scientists to align their results with the state's position on water safety.
  • Nick Lyon and Eden Wells faced involuntary manslaughter charges for covering up the Legionnaires' outbreak.
  • State health department insisted McLaren Hospital, not the city's water, was the main source of the Legionnaires' outbreak.
  • Independent scientists suggested some pneumonia deaths in Flint were likely due to Legionnaires', not influenza.

42:40

"Legionnaires' Outbreak in Flint: Uncovering the Truth"

  • Marcus Wilson was recovering from cancer treatments in the summer of 2014, using a lot of water for showers and sitting in a chair with hot water running on his face.
  • Doctors diagnosed Marcus with pneumonia during the outbreak in August 2014, but never tested for Legionnaires', leading to his death a few weeks later.
  • An independent team of epidemiologists from Emory University analyzed data from Genesee County and found a significant increase in pneumonia deaths in 2014, potentially linked to Legionnaires'.
  • The team concluded there were about 70 more pneumonia deaths than usual, suggesting the Legionnaires' outbreak was larger than officially reported.
  • At least 20 people diagnosed with Legionnaires' during the outbreak had since died, with complications from the disease leading to fatalities.
  • Former Governor Rick Snyder and the state health department declined to comment on the findings, with the official death toll from the outbreak remaining at 12 people.
  • Michigan's new attorney general dropped all charges against officials involved in the Flint water crisis, citing a flawed investigation and the need to start anew, leaving the accountability for the crisis uncertain.
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