Health officials in Missouri are cautioning recent visitors of a resort and RV park after three guests were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease.
The guests who fell ill stayed at Cassville’s Roaring River Lodge and RV Park in July, and each received a diagnosis within 14 days of their stay.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has traveled to the lodge and collected samples. The initial analysis showed the existence of Legionella bacteria in the water system of the resort.
Recent guests who stayed at Roaring River Lodge are being contacted. The DHSS is collaborating with the resort to enhance its water system and eliminate any lingering bacteria.
While uncommon, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges the potential for Legionnaires’ disease to be transmitted from one person to another.
The CDC says the most common way to contract the bacteria is through inhalation of a mist containing Legionnaires’ disease. Pontiac fever, a nonfatal respiratory disease with mild flu-like symptoms, can also be caused by the bacteria, says the CDC. It’s common for Pontiac fever symptoms to resolve in two to five days.
Generally, healthy people don’t fall ill when exposed to Legionella. People with a history of smoking, those aged 50 and above, those diagnosed with cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, kidney or liver failure, or weakened immune system are at higher risk. Chronic lung disease encompasses conditions such as emphysema and COPD.
Legionnaires’ symptoms can be similar to the flu and pneumonia, usually appearing within 2-10 days of exposure. Common symptoms may involve coughing, diarrhea, confusion, body aches, nausea, fever, headaches, and difficulty breathing.
To check for infection, individuals can order a urine test or respiratory culture from their primary physician. If either test comes back positive, it is crucial for the infected individual’s doctor to report the illness to the local or state health department without delay.
Lakes and streams are natural habitats for Legionella bacteria. Typically, the small presence of these bacteria in freshwater does not cause illness. However, when Legionella enters building water systems and multiplies, it can become a health hazard.
The factors for growth include biofilm, specific temperatures, inadequate disinfectant and limited or no water movement.
The bacteria can thrive in hot tubs, showerheads and sink faucets, as well as decorative fountains and complex plumbing systems.
The windshield wiper fluid tank of a vehicle is another place where Legionella can thrive. The probability of bacteria growth increases when the tank is filled with water instead of genuine windshield cleaner.
Legionella growth is not a concern for home and car air-conditioning units, as they don’t use water for cooling.
DHSS has committed to ongoing cooperation with Roaring River Lodge and RV Park to mitigate potential risks and establish a water management strategy for the health and safety of guests and employees.
