An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Atlanta has been linked to the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, the Georgia Department of Public Health announced July 29, according to The New York Times.
The outbreak has 11 confirmed cases so far, and an additional 55 cases are "probable," the health department said. No one has died but a few people have been hospitalized.
The health department confirmed the first cases about two weeks ago and is currently surveying people who stayed at the hotel between June 12 and July 15, when the hotel voluntarily closed its doors. Health department officials began collecting water samples July 19. The hotel could reopen in August if health officials are able to determine the bacteria's origin and remove it by then.
Sheraton has hired outside environmental consultants to create a Legionella detection plan, which the health department reviewed and approved, Ken Peduzzi, the Sheraton brand's general manager, said in a statement. "At this time, it remains unknown if the source of the exposure if located within the hotel," Mr. Peduzzi added.
Editor's note: This story was updated July 30 at 4:40p.m. with additional information.
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