Legionnaires’ Cases Linked to Albert Lea Hotel
Albert Lea, MN (KROC-AM News) - State health officials say two laboratory-confirmed cases of Legionnaires' Disease have been linked to an Albert Lea hotel.
The Minnesota Department of Health today issued an advisory warning anyone who stayed at the Ramada by Wyndham Albert Lea in late June and spent time in the pool/hot tub area to seek medical care promptly if they are ill. Officials say they have identified two laboratory-confirmed cases, so far, among people from unrelated groups who were at the hotel and spent time in the pool/hot tub area the last weekend of June. They became ill in late June and early this month and both were hospitalized, although one of the patients has since been discharged.
According to the news release, Legionnaires Disease is spread by inhaling the fine spray from water sources containing the bacteria that causes the illness. The incubation period can be up to two weeks.
The State Health Department says investigators are working with the hotel to pinpoint the source of the bacteria. The hotel spa was shut down for maintenance on June 29th and the pool area is currently close to guests while it is cleaned and decontaminated.
The symptoms of the illness include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, chills, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, and coughing. Health officials note most people exposed to the bacteria do not develop Legionnaires' Disease. People over the age of 50, smokers and former smokers, and people with certain medical conditions face an increased risk of becoming ill.
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