Salem Apartment Complex Has Two Cases Of Legionnaires’ Disease

SALEM, MA — The Salem Board of Health confirmed two cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the Pequot Highlands apartment complex. The complex's water supply also tested positive for the disease, a dangerous form of pneumonia that can be contracted by inhaling mist or vapor containing Legionella bacteria. Channel 7 News reported that the apartment complex hopes to finish treating its water system by the end of the day Sunday.

Updates on the condition of the two residents that contracted the disease were not immediately available Sunday morning. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle pains and headaches. The disease does not spread from person to person. The disease is treated with antibiotics and, while it can be fatal, fewer than 5 percent of people that are exposed to Legionella bacteria contract Legionnaires’ disease.

The apartment complex is also changing shower heads in each unit. Outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease often occur in large buildings like apartment complexes, with the bacteria spreading through the air conditioning system or through the water system.