Legionnaire’s outbreaks in Wisconsin and Ohio have sickened dozens of people, health authorities say. At least 20 people in Milwaukee County have been diagnosed with the disease since June 1, 2013. Of those, 14 are from the city of Milwaukee. Four people remain hospitalized. Wisconsin health authorities are looking for the source or sources of the outbreak
In Franklin County, Ohio, 22 illnesses have been associated with the Wesley Ridge Retirement Community in Reynoldsburg. Those sickened include visitors, residents and employees. Two of them have died. Franklin County Public Health, the Ohio Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are working together to determine the source of the outbreak.
Legionnaire’s disease is transmitted through contaminated mist or water vapor. It is not contagious. Symptoms of an infection include muscle aches, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, coughing, chills, high fever (102-105˚F) and, occasionally, diarrhea. Chest X-rays of those infected often show pneumonia. Onset of illness occurs between two and 10 days after exposure.
Legionella, the bacteria that causes the disease, can be found in any type of water system, in creeks, ponds and soil. It is prevalent in the warm, stagnant water found in hot tubs, most commercial plumbing systems, hot water tanks, water in cooling towers and condensers of large air conditioning systems and hot tubs. Home and automobile air conditioners are not a source of the bacteria.
