MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County Health Department estimates 6,000 people could have been exposed to Legionnaires’ Disease at a Memphis motel.
There are six confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease tied to a Memphis motel.
The La Quinta Inn at 2979 Millbranch Road was closed by the Shelby County Health Department September 22.
“We are in the process of notifying patrons via email, snail mail, and Telephone said Helen Morrow.
The health department says there were 6,000 reservations there between July 1 and September 22.
“This is a high occupancy hotel and these people are from all over the country,” said Morrow.
The respiratory disease caused by bacteria often in hot tubs, fountains and air conditioning units.
Antibiotics are used as treatment.
“If they stayed there and became ill they should inform their doctor and that should be considered in a diagnosis,” added Morrow.
The disease is named after the outbreak where it was first identified, the 1976 American Legion convention in Philadelphia.
“We have not had anything of this magnitude in my tenure here,” recalls Morrow.
If you stayed at this motel and have the below symptoms, please contact the Shelby County Health Department at 901-222-9299.
Symptoms are similar to other types of pneumonia and it often looks the same on a chest x-ray.
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
