The Shelby County Health Department has reported laboratory confirmation of 5 cases of Legionnaire’s disease in visitors to a luxury hotel on the grounds of Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley.
The outbreak was traced to The Guest House at Graceland, 3600 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis, Tennessee, 38116.
The iconic hotel remains open for business, but aquatics facilities including the pool and hot tub are closed temporarily.
Health officials are asking anyone who visited the Guest House at Graceland between May 15 and June 26, 2017 and experienced symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease to immediately contact their investigation hotline at (901) 222-9299.
Legionnaire’s disease is caused by Legionella, a type of bacteria that is found naturally in water. It can cause a serious lung infection (bacterial pneumonia) when people breathe the bacteria in tiny drops of water or mist from hot tubs, showers, pools, or fountains.
The key to preventing outbreaks is proper maintenance and disinfection of water systems in which Legionella bacteria grow.
Most people who are exposed to Legionella do not get sick, but symptoms can be similar to pneumonia or other severe lung diseases. These symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches and headaches. Legionnaires’ disease is usually treated with antibiotics.
Source: Legionnaires’ outbreak at Graceland hotel grows to five cases