Legionella bacteria sickens 3 in Walla Walla
By Dan Thesman on Saturday, July 15th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health (WWCDCH) have confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria in water samples taken from the La Quinta Inn and Suites, 776 Silverstone Drive, in Walla Walla.
Samples were obtained by county health officials on Tuesday, after being notified by state health officials that three guests became ill following their stay.
Legionella is a common water-borne bacteria that occurs in freshwater environments. The bacteria can become a health concern when it grows and spreads in building water systems like hot water tanks, hot tubs, and large plumbing systems. While most healthy individuals exposed to Legionella do not get sick, those with certain risk factors can cause a potentially serious type of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease. Risk factors include being older than 50 years of age, being a current or former smoker, having chronic lung disease, having a weakened immune system, or taking medication that weakens the immune system.
“Legionnaires’ disease symptoms are similar in other types of pneumonia and can include fever, chills, muscle aches, and cough,” WWCDCH Public Health Officer Dr. Daniel Kaminsky said. He advises that guests who stayed at the hotel in the last 14 days and are experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention.
The hotel staff is actively participating in the investigation of the potential sources of exposure to Legionella. Anyone with additional questions can contact the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health at 509-524-2650.
Additional information on Legionnaires disease is available from the Washington State Department on Health.
