News

Maine officials investigate Legionnaires’ disease cluster

Maine officials investigate Legionnaires’ disease cluster

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a cluster of six Legionnaires’ disease cases in the Bangor area.

The CDC said Friday health care providers have diagnosed about one case in each month since last November, and officials are trying to determine if they’re related. The CDC said all six individuals were hospitalized and that one died, although it’s unclear if the Legionella bacteria was to blame.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets containing the bacteria. The bacteria is common in streams and ponds, but it can also spread in buildings through air conditioning systems, hot tubs and fountains.

Last year, there were 33 cases in Maine. The exact number is uncertain because healthy people generally don’t produce symptoms.

Latest Headlines

1 hour ago in Local

Deadly House Fire in Hiram Claims a Life

Fresh

Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office were called to the scene of a deadly house fire in Hiram. Crews…

1 day ago in Local

Gov. Mills vetoes moratorium on new data centers in Maine

Gov. Janet Mills has vetoed a first-in-the-nation moratorium on new data centers in Maine.

1 day ago in Local

Judge gives Maine 30 days to review signatures for transgender student referendum

A judge on Friday gave the Maine Secretary of State's Office 30 days to review signatures gathered for a referendum concerning transgender students.

2 days ago in Local

Two Arrested in Months-Long Maine Drug Enforcement Investigation

Both were taken to the Somerset County Jail.

2 days ago in Local

All Residents Displaced from Biddeford Apartment Fire

The Red Cross is working with the building owner and tenants to find temporary housing.