Case of Legionnaires’ Disease Confirmed at Connecticut Hospital: BREAKING

A patient at Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown has been confirmed to have Legionnaires' disease, a bacterial infection that causes pneumonia-like symptoms, the state Departments of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Public Health announced Tuesday.

The patient is receiving treatment at a local area hospital and is doing well, according to officials. A second suspected case also is currently being treated, and state officials are awaiting the results of a confirmatory test.

The two state departments are working together to determine the possible source of the bacteria, Legionella, that caused the illness. Legionella is typically found in soil and water. The bacteria grow best in warm water and have been found in cooling towers, hot tubs, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, air conditioning systems and decorative fountains.

When it becomes airborne, it can cause a very serious form of pneumonia, particularly in individuals with underlying lung conditions or compromised immune systems.

It is not unusual for cases of Legionnaires' disease, properly known as legionellosis, to be seen in Connecticut. Typically, 50 to 80 cases are diagnosed each year in the state, but officials stress that it cannot be transmitted from person to person.

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"My office has been in contact with relevant agencies, and we will continue to monitor this closely. Our agencies are working together and will continue to provide my office with updates in real-time. While this is something state government is taking very seriously, I would encourage the public to not be alarmed. We will continue to work diligently until this is resolved and provide updates as needed," said Gov. Dannel Malloy in a statement.

Added Department of Mental Health Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, "Patient care is our number one priority, and we are educating our patients and staff in the unlikely event that additional cases occur. While we investigate the source we will continue to keep our patients and staff informed."

Public Health Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino called it a "serious disease," and said additional steps may be required to remediate the source of the bacteria once it is found and protect patients and staff.

State officials noted that this case of Legionnaires’ is different from the recent outbreak of the disease in New York City, which was caused by contaminated water in large cooling towers on top of a hospital in the Bronx. Water dripping from the cooling towers was responsible for transmitting legionella to pedestrians, patients, and hospital staff walking on the sidewalks below.