Three cases of Legionnaires’ disease confirmed in Missouri

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) announced on Monday that three people at a resort in Cassville, Mo. have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by a bacteria called “Legionella.” People can contract the disease by breathing in small water droplets containing the bacteria.

The DHSS said the cases involved guests who had been in contact with a water source at the Roaring River Lodge and RV Park, located at 23349 State Highway 112 in Cassville.

Three individuals allegedly had no association with each other and were diagnosed within 14 days of their stay at the resort in July.

After the three cases were confirmed, DHSS conducted a facility assessment and collected samples. The preliminary results revealed the Legionella bacteria in the water.

As a result of these findings, DHSS said it is working alongside the Roaring River Lodge staff to make improvements in the facility’s water system to kill off the bacteria.

Although the disease can be harmful for those who smoke cigarettes, have certain medical conditions and are 50 years or older, DHSS said “most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick.”

Here is a list of symptoms you can expect to see if you are exposed to the bacteria:

1. Cough
2. Shortness of breath
3. Muscle aches
4. Headache
5. Fever

Additional symptoms like confusion, nausea and diarrhea can also be experienced, DHSS said. All symptoms usually begin 2-10 days after being exposed to the bacteria, but it can take longer (approximately two weeks) in some cases.

According to the CDC, “In general, people do not spread Legionnaires’ disease to other people.” However, Legionella can be found in man-made water sources like potable water used for showers, decorative fountains, hot tubs and cooling towers.

If you have or are currently experiencing symptoms of pneumonia within two weeks of staying, working or visiting Roaring River Lodge and RV Park in Cassville, Mo., DHSS encourages you to seek medical attention right away.

DHSS said to ask your doctor to conduct both a urine test and a respiratory culture. The organization also said that if you test positive, ask your doctor to report the illness to your local or state health department as soon as possible.

“DHSS will continue to work with the facility and take proactive measures to minimize future risks and develop a water management plan to ensure the protection of the health of guests and employees,” DHSS said.

For more information about Legionnaires’ disease and the Legionella bacteria, go to the CDC website .

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