Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak at Maryland Hotel

Last week, The Baltimore Sun reported that three people have been hospitalized for Legionnaires’ disease.  The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene announced the illnesses which occurred after the individuals stayed at an Ocean City hotel.

The hotel was closed several days before the end of the season to perform tests on the water systems to try and locate the bacteria that causes the disease.  According to the news report, preliminary test results indicate the presence of the bacteria.

The bacteria got its name in 1976, when people at a Philadelphia convention of the American Legion suffered from an outbreak of the disease.  Although this type of bacteria was around before 1976, more cases of the illness due to Legionnaires' disease are being detected now.

Each year, between 8,000 and 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires' disease in the U.S. However, many infections are not diagnosed or reported, so this number may be higher. More cases are usually found in the summer and early fall, but it can occur any time of year.  So far, Maryland has confirmed 82 cases of the disease this year.  On average the state sees 100 to 130 cases annually.

“Legionnaires' disease can have symptoms like many other forms of pneumonia, so it can be hard to diagnose at first and is often misdiagnosed,” reported Susan White, Ph.D., CMC, President of Sussex Environmental Health Consultants (SEHC), a leading Mid-Atlantic indoor air quality (IAQ) and infection control consulting firm.     “Symptoms can include a high fever, chills and a cough. Some people may also suffer from muscle aches and headaches.  The bacteria are found in warm water.  Common places include hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, or parts of the air-conditioning systems in large buildings.  Testing for the bacteria can help prevent outbreaks and pinpoint sources after an outbreak occurs,” she continued.

SEHC supports an educational public outreach video about Legionnaire’s disease and Legionella bacteria that can be seen at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB7g81JxCq0

To learn more about preventing infectious microbial pathogens, or other environmental and IAQ issues, please visit http://www.sussexenvironmental.com/, email susan.white@mchsi.com or call (302) 947-1810.

About Sussex Environmental Health Consultants, LLC

SEHC is a certified woman owned business that provides environmental and health and safety consulting services.  The company is located in the Mid-Atlantic and services customers nationwide.  SEHC provides solutions to clients ranging from homeowners to international Fortune 500 Corporations.