Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak at Sheraton Atlanta Keeps Growing

The Sheraton Atlanta voluntarily closed on July 15th after three guests tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease. The hotel will remain closed until August 11th while health officials test the plumbing for Legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaires’ disease. The source of the Legionella infections cannot be determined until health officials finish testing the hotel’s water supply systems. Typically, investigators begin testing in pools, hot tubs, and water fountains. Then, the investigation can expand into the hotel’s water supply system, including the plumbing system.  Health officials collected the first set of environmental samples on July 19th and additional samples on July 29th. Testing takes up to 14 days and results are pending. 

The Georgia DPH and Fulton County Board of Health collected survey responses from people who stayed at or visited the Sheraton Atlanta between June 12th and July 15th. Survey responses can help determine the contaminated source by showing whether all of the sickened guests stayed on the same floor or participated in the same activities.