MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County Health Department has confirmed there is a ninth case of Legionnaires' disease from The Guest House at Graceland hotel.
Three people were originally diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease. The Shelby County Health Department later confirmed a fourth case linked to The Guest House at Graceland on Friday, July 1st, a fifth case Thursday, July 6th and the sixth was announced on Friday, July 14th.
The aquatic facilities at the hotel is located in the 3600 block of Elvis Presley Blvd.
The Shelby County Health Department told FOX13, the aquatic facilities has been authorized to reopen. They told FOX13 they conducted a sampling and after remediation they demonstrated no viable legionella bacteria.
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Legionnaires' disease is caused by bacteria called Legionella, usually found in water. It is contracted when people breathe in a mist or vapor containing the bacteria.
Many exposed do not become ill, but symptoms can be similar to forms of pneumonia including cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headaches. Symptoms can last between two to 14 days after exposure. It is usually treated with antibiotics.
Legionnaires can be prevented by maintaining water systems in hot tubs, decorative fountains, drinking water systems, and cooling towers.
Those who visited The Guest House at Graceland between May 15 and June 26 and have experienced symptoms need to contact the Shelby County Health Department Hotline at (901) 222-9299.
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