ALBANY, N.Y. - A rare bacteria known as legionella led to a recent epidemic of Legionnaires Disease at an Albany hotel in which at least six people were diagnosed.
The breakout occurred between September and December at the Best Western on Western Avenue in Albany.
Best Western released this statement:
"Recently the Department of Health tested the water, and found traces of the legionella bacteria. We are fully cooperating with the Department of Heath on this matter, and have taken all recommended steps to eliminate the bacteria.
Of note, the department of Health has not closed the hotel – which means that the Department of Health has determined that current guests are not at risk based upon the remedial measures we have taken. In addition, we have provided a list of recent guests to the Department of Health for monitoring.
We consider guest safety most important, and we have and will do everything we can to address the matter."
Legionella is breathed in through the air.
"If you're not careful as a hotel or an institution of checking the water supply sometimes some funky bacteria can grow and when you're taking a shower or in a hot tub you're breathing in the mist and some people can get an infection that cause the symptoms of this disease," said Dr. James Saperstone.
The symptoms are similar to the common flue. The six individuals who were infected, all guests, made full recoveries. However, for people of a certain age or with medical issues the disease can be very dangerous or even deadly.
NEWS10 ABC
