Columbus Public Health announced that it is investigating a case of Legionnaires’ disease in a student at Ohio State, and another case of Legionnaires’ in an employee of the university’s Newark campus.
Ohio State University released a statement saying they do not believe there is any connection between the 2 cases of Legionnaires’ disease. It is not clear how the 2 people were infected with Legionella.
The student said a water fountain at Drackett was the only public water source used. The student was treated with antibiotics and is expected to make a full recovery, according to Ohio State.
No other cases have been reported, but the water fountains on one side of the 12-story Drackett Tower student dormitory were shut off as a precaution, according to Chris Davey, a spokesman for Ohio State.
The university is awaiting test results on the water system for Drackett Tower.
Columbus Public Health has reported a total of 73 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in its jurisdiction. The illness is caused by infection with Legionella, a bacteria that is found in water.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe lung infection (bacterial pneumonia) that spreads when people breathe in tiny droplets of water vapor from hot tubs, showers, fountains, or air-conditioning in large buildings.
Source: Legionnaires’ cases involving Ohio State under investigation