Legionnaire’s Disease Detected in Macon Hotel Hot Tub: Where Is Its Origin? What Are the Symptoms, Treatment?

Two cases of Legionnaire's disease have been diagnosed in two individuals in Macon, Missouri - and local health officials warn visitors of the pool and hot tub at a local Inn.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), together with the Macon County Health Department, issued an advisory to the guests of a Comfort Inn & Suites branch in Macon regarding possible exposure to Legionnaires' disease from the pool and/or hot tub in the inn.

Tracing the Source of the Legionnaires'

While the two cases found were found to have used the pool and/or hot tub at the 1821 N. Missouri St lodging, authorities say that it remains unknown whether the bacteria that caused the Legionnaires' disease was actually from the hotel.

Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia, is caused by breathing in mists of water contaminated with the Legionella bacteria. While it is not transmissible from person to person, exposure to the same contaminated water sources could cause multiple cases at a time. However, in the Macon cases, testing of water samples from the Comfort Inn & Suites hot tub confirmed the presence of the Legionella bacteria while returning negative results for all other tests conducted.

"In situations like this, we work closely with our local health partners on surveillance and mitigation strategies," said DHSS Director Dr. Randall Williams, as reported by local NBC affiliate KSDK. Dr. Williams adds that once they found the cases of Legionnaires' disease, the Missouri health department has taken steps such as notifying the public and implementing disinfection strategies.

Additionally, DHSS is currently investigating and monitoring Comfort Inn & Suites to understand the needed public health safeguards better. While people who have used the pool and/or hot tub or were near these identified sources face risks of acquiring the diseases, the risk is greater for people who have medical conditions such as those who are immunocompromised, as well as those who regularly smoke and those who are 50 years old and above.

Detection, Symptoms, and Treatment for Legionnaires'

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Legionella bacteria are commonly found in freshwater sources such as streams and lakes and becomes a health threat when they thrive in man-made water systems like showerheads, sink faucets, cooling towers, water fountains, tanks and heaters, plumbing systems, and pools and hot tubs as the case in Macon.

While inhalation of contaminated water vapor is noted as the main cause of Legionnaires' disease, the CDC also reports that less common cases of the disease is from people drinking contaminated water - when the ingested water accidentally goes into the lungs. This poses increased risks for people with swallowing problems.

Local health authorities strongly advise people who develop symptoms of pneumonia within two weeks of staying at the Macon, Missouri suites to "seek medical attention right away." These symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, muscle aches, fever, and headaches. People with these symptoms should ask for a urine test and respiratory culture, with positive results being reported to the local or state health department as soon as possible.

Legionnaires' disease, once diagnosed, requires treatment with antibiotics. Most cases of this condition can be treated successfully, with healthy people having no problems after their encounter with the Legionella bacteria. However, hospital care is most often needed for a full and successful recovery.

Check out more news and information on Legionnaires' Disease in Science Times.