Two individuals contracted disease in the last year

FOR THE TOMAHAWK LEADER

TOMAHAWK – Rodeway Inn & Suites, 1738 Comfort Drive, Tomahawk, has been closed due to an outbreak of Legionella infection. The hotel will remain closed until the source of the outbreak is located and remediation is complete. The Lincoln County Health Department, along with the Wisconsin Division of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and other state partners are investigating the outbreak.

Over the past 12 months, two individuals have become infected with Legionella within two weeks of staying at the hotel, according to the Health Department.

Legionella bacteria are found naturally in the environment, usually in fresh water, a release from the Health Department states. The bacteria grow best in warm water and can be found in shower heads and faucets, hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, decorative fountains or plumbing systems in large buildings.

Legionnaires’ disease is a very serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by Legionella bacteria. People can get Legionnaires’ disease when they breathe in small droplets of water in the air that contain Legionella. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease can include fever, chills , cough and shortness of breath. Legionnaires’ disease is treated with antibiotics, and most people who get sick make a full recovery.

Most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick. However, people at increased risk of getting sick are 50 years or older, current or former smokers, and people with chronic lung disease or weak immune systems. Legionnaires’ disease does not spread from one to person to another.

For more information on Legionella, visit: www.lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com.