BJapan Hot Spring; 252 Suspected Cases; 6 Deaths; July 2002

As of 19 August, 252 suspected cases of Legionnaires' have been identified among individuals who visited a new hot spring resort in southern Japan. Six have died. The first two deaths were a woman in her 60s and a man in his 70s. The woman went to the hot spring on 7 July, was admitted to a hospital with respiratory problems on 14 July, and died 22 July. The man bathed at the hot spring on 4 July, was admitted to a hospital on 9 July, and died 15 July. After opening 1 July, the resort received about 1,000 visitors daily until authorities shut it down 24 July following reports of disease. Sources: The Associated Press; The Daily Yomiuri.