STRONGSVILLE, Ohio — A case of Legionnaries’ disease has been confirmed in Cuyahoga County according to a statement from the board of health Monday.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe type of pneumonia caused by a bacteria called Legionella.
An individual that spent time as a patient as Altenheim Senior Living facility in Strongsville has been diagnosed with Legionella.
The specific source of the bacteria has not yet been determined.
As a precaution, the water system at the facility has been shut down while a public health investigation is conducted, and environmental controls are put in place.
" We appreciate the cooperation and patience shown by the staff and patients at the facility while we all work together to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. In conjunction with the Ohio Department of Health, we will provide updates as more information becomes available," the Board of Health said in a press release.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include shortness of breath, fever, muscle arches, headache and cough. While the disease is serious, it can be treated with antibiotics.