By Jory Lange and Candess Zona-Mendola
12 people may have developed Legionnaires’ disease in the East Texas State Fair Legionnaires Outbreak. The Northeast Texas Public Health District alerts the public in East Texas that:
Image/Urban
Anyone who attended the East Texas State Fair in Tyler during September 2019 and is sick due to symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease is urged to discuss Legionnaires’ disease with your health care provider immediately.
Public health investigators are working to identify how the outbreak happened. 7 confirmed cases of Legionnaires Disease and 5 possible cases have been linked to the East Texas State Fair, which was help on September 20th – September 29th.
The Tyler Morning Telegraph reports that, “state health investigators have determined that all who are sick attended the East Texas State Fair that took place Sept. 20-29 in Tyler. If exposed to the disease, attendees already would have exhibited symptoms.”
Legionnaires’ Disease Symptoms
Legionnaires’ disease symptoms usually begin 2 to 10 days after exposure to water vapor carrying legionella bacteria. Coughs, fevers, and headaches are common symptoms. Additional symptoms may include shortness of breath and muscle aches.
Legionnaires’ Disease Can Be Deadly
Most people who develop Legionnaires’ disease will require hospitalization. In about 10% of people, Legionnaires’ disease is fatal.
Because Legionnaires’ disease is caused by legionella bacteria, the disease can be treated with antibiotics. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better patient recovery.
One thought on “East Texas State Fair Linked to Legionnaires’ Outbreak”