Heightened Concern Over Legionnaires' Disease in Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, Md.- Residents and visitors in Ocean City remain wary of a serious form of pneumonia called Legionnaires' disease.

Officials from the Worcester Health Department said they cannot say for sure if two separate visitors in the past year contracted Legionnaires' disease at a condominium at the Sea Watch Condominiums at 11500 Coastal Highway. Both visitors stayed at the condo, but not for their entire stay.

A memo was handed out to Sea Watch residents, which states that none of the fountains or pools are affected. However, the sauna and one of the 400 units tested positive for legionella, the bacterium that causes Legionnaires' disease.

People can become exposed to legionella if they inhale affected water. Health officials advise people to avoid water vapor, take tub or sponge baths and drink bottled water.

In 2011, one person died from contracting Legionnaires' disease at the Plim Plaza on Atlantic Avenue in Ocean City. Health officials said that last year, there were 143 cases of Legionnaires' disease statewide. So far in 2012, there have been 41.

 Updated: Jun 27, 2012 5:11 PM - WBOC - News