Legionnaires' Disease Confirmed At Northeast Ohio Nursing Home

MENTOR, OH — A patient at a Northeast Ohio nursing home has Legionnaires Disease. The sickness is a serious form of pneumonia, but so far only one person has contracted the disease.

The patient is a resident of Continuing Healthcare of Mentor, according to News 5. The resident recently transferred to Mentor from a different nursing home. Currently, no other patients are showing signs of the illness.

Legionella bacteria spreads through freshwater. It becomes a health concern when it enters human water systems, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Legionella can infect humans through sinks, faucets, large plumbing systems, hot water tanks and other water distribution devices.

Legionnaires' Disease cannot be spread person to person.

After being exposed to the bacteria, humans can develop Legionnaires' Disease. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches, the CDC said. The disease can be treated with antibiotics.

If Legionnaires' is not treated, the disease can cause lung failure and eventual death.