Legionnaires' Disease Linked to Comfort Suites in Grantville, PA

An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease has been linked to hotel guests who stayed at the Comfort Suites in Grantville, Penn. Recent patrons of the hotel have been notified of the ongoing investigation. According to a letter sent to guests, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection have been involved the investigation. Water testing was conducted on August 23 and environmental samples from the hotel's water system were positive for Legionella, the bacteria that can cause Legionnaires' disease.

According to the letter, the hotel is working with health departments to remediate the water system and create a plan to prevent future outbreaks. The letter advises that guests who become ill seek medical attention and request that their health provider contact state or local health departments to report the illness or receive more information.

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to: fever, respiratory issues, diarrhea, headache, and bodily weakness. Legionnaires' disease is most often contracted when people inhale aerosolized water containing Legionella bacteria. Common sources of outbreaks include showers, faucets, hot tubs, pools, fountains, and other components of large scale water systems—often in hotels and hospitals.

It is uncertain how many people have been affected by the Pennsylvania outbreak. 

This news follows a recent outbreak in Chicago that affected guests staying at the JW Marriott on Adams Street between July 16 and August 15. The disease was linked to the fountain located in the lobby of the hotel as well as the hotel's pool and hot tub. Three people died after contracting the disease at the Chicago property.