Maryland USA , 7 CASES- October 2003

Seven guests at a hotel in Ocean City, Maryland caught Legionnaires' disease, of which positive samples were found in various locations around the site. With temperatures of the hot water potable system sitting between 25°C and 42 °C, it is likely that this was the main source. None of the patients died, however, there were a variety of people affected, smokers, those with diabetes, people aged between 37 and 70, with men being the worse affected. Following extensive cleaning regimes and management of the hot water storage tank, cooling tower, hot water heaters and showers, it seems that the hotel is now clear of infection.