By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
A motel in Bethany has closed after it was discovered an individual with Legionnaires’ disease stayed there in July.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services says it received notification that an individual diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease had stayed at the Quality Inn and Suites in Bethany in mid-July. It isn’t known whether the hotel was the source of the illness, but tests of the pool, spa, and the potable water system indicated the presence of Legionella bacteria. A thorough cleaning of the motel is underway.
State health officials are working with the Harrison County Health Department to investigate the origin of the disease and prevent its spread.
The state health department says most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick, but the risks increase for older people, those who smoke, and those with a weakened immune system. Those who develop symptoms, such as a cough, shortness of breath, and fever, after staying or working at the motel are urged to seek medical attention.
Additional information on Legionella is available from the CDC website. Click here for more information.