In a holiday resort in the Lakes region there are three cases of a disease that first appeared in the 1970s.
The full press release below is from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is advising guests who have recently stayed at a resort of a possible health risk that may apply to individuals who may have come into contact with a water source at Roaring River Lodge and RV Park in Cassville, Missouri. The property is located at 23359 State Highway 112 in Cassville.
The DHSS has determined that three innocent people who stayed at the Cassville Resort in July of this year were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease within 14 days of their stay. People can become infected with Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, when they breathe in small water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. Generally, Legionnaires’ disease is not transmitted to other people.
DHSS has conducted a facility assessment and collected samples. Preliminary results from the environmental sampling indicate the presence of Legionella bacteria in the water system. Confirmed results will be available later this week. The investigation is ongoing and DHSS is actively working with Roaring River Lodge to make improvements to the facility’s water system that will kill Legionella in the system.
The resort has announced that it will begin notifying all guests who recently stayed in the hotel portion of the property.
Most healthy people who are exposed to Legionella do not become ill. However, a person’s risk may increase if they are 50 years or older, smoke cigarettes, or have certain medical conditions such as a weakened immune system.
Symptoms usually begin 2 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria, but it can take longer, so people should watch for symptoms about 2 weeks after exposure. If you develop symptoms of pneumonia within two weeks of staying at, working at, or visiting Roaring River Lodge and RV Park in Cassville, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of pneumonia typically include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headache. Other symptoms such as confusion, nausea, or diarrhea may occur. Ask your doctor to test you with both a urine test and a respiratory culture. If your test is positive, ask your doctor to report your illness to your local or state health department as soon as possible after your diagnosis.
DHSS will continue to work with the facility and take proactive steps to minimize future risks and develop a water management plan to ensure the health of guests and employees is protected. For more information on Legionella, visit the CDC website.
