Click here for a free consultation
Four more people were confirmed with Legionnaires’ disease after visiting The Guest House at Graceland hotel in Memphis, TN, increasing the total to nine, the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) said July 19. The hotel’s hot tub and swimming pool both tested positive for Legionellabacteria, which causes Legionnaires’ disease.
Anyone who stayed at or visited the hotel between May 12 and June 26 and has experienced or is still experiencing pneumonia- or flu-like symptoms should contact the SCHD Hotline at (901) 222-9299 and seek immediate medical attention.
In addition, a lawsuit has been filed against Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., on behalf of Douglas Johnson of Miami Lakes, FL, and his wife, Marisol, whose relationship with her husband allegedly was harmed because of the illness.
One attorney who has extensive experience in such lawsuits is Elliot Olsen, who has represented people harmed by Legionella bacteria across the United States. He knows the questions to ask, and has worked with numerous state health departments. If you think you have contracted Legionnaires’ disease as a result of the outbreak in Memphis, contact Elliot for a free consultation.
About Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionnaires’ bacteria (also called Legionella bacteria, or Legionella pneumophila). It is most frequently contracted by breathing contaminated water particles or water vapor. The incubation period – that is, the time from contact with the bacteria to the onset of symptoms – is 2-10 days. (It is not transferable person-to-person.)
Symptoms can include:
- cough
- fever
- muscle aches
- headaches
- shortness of breath
- diarrhea
- vomiting
Individuals within certain demographics are more susceptible to illness from coming in contact with Legionella bacteria: current or former smokers, people over the age of 50, those with a suppressed immune system, or those with chronic lung disease are all at a higher risk for contracting the illness.
