The Econo Lodge in Ocean City, Md. is the likely source of two cases of Legionnaires’ disease. Two guests who stayed at the hotel were diagnosed with the disease, and tests revealed low levels of Legionella bacteria in the hotel’s water pipes, according to Worcester County health officials.
The two case patients did not stay at the hotel together. One was there in August, the other weeks earlier.
“Genetic testing is one way to prove that water at a specific hotel caused cases of Legionnaires’ Disease,” said Fred Pritzker, an attorney who represents clients in Legionnaires’ Disease lawsuits against hotels. “This involves isolating and comparing portions of genes from Legionella bacteria to see if they match.”
The hotel voluntarily closed early for the season and is working to remove the bacteria.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. It is transmitted when contaminated water mist is inhaled from showers, faucets, whirlpools, swimming pools, fountains and cooling towers in air conditioning systems. It cannot be transmitted from person to person. The condition got its name because it was first discovered when an outbreak of pneumonia struck an American Legion convention in 1976. A less severe infection caused by Legionella bacteria is called Pontic Fever.
Between 8,000 to 18,000 Americans are hospitalized each year with Legionnaires’ disease. Forsyth County, NC is grappling with 20 cases of Legionnaires in patients at a rehabilitation center and a medical center.
Symptoms, which usually appear 2 to 14 after exposure, include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches and headache.
