Legionnaires’ Outbreak Causes Part Of MN Hotel To Close
Four people have fallen ill in an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease that was linked to a hotel in Northwestern Minnesota.
According to Bring Me The News, the four individuals were sickened in an outbreak of the disease between Jan 22nd and 27th, while all have spent tie at the Crookston Inn and Convention Center prior to falling ill, although none of them stayed the night.
According to the report, the Minnesota Department of Health is investigating what the source of the Legionella bacteria might be, but also say that early evidence and past experience suggest the source is the hotel's spa. The pool and spa area have been closed to guests while the MDH and hotel staff work to decontaminate the area.
The hotel is also notifying anyone who stayed or was at the hotel between Jan 14 and Feb 13 that they may have been exposed to the bacteria.
Here is what the director of the infectious disease division at MDH Kris Ehresmann had to say to Bring Me The News.
"If you spent time at the hotel between Jan. 14 and Feb. 13 and are ill with undiagnosed pneumonia or you develop symptoms in the two weeks following your visit, please see a health care provider to be evaluated for possible Legionnaire’s disease,” said Kris Ehresmann, director of the infectious disease division at MDH.
The MDH also said that most people that were exposed to Legionella won't develop Legionnaires', a form of bacterial pneumonia, but smokers, those over the age of 50, and people with weakened immune systems, diabetes or lung disease are vulnerable to the disease. The symptoms to look for are fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, shortness of breath and loss of appetite and coughing.
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