84 people exposed to bacteria that can cause Legionnaires' disease during Duke basketball camp
Approximately 84 people were exposed to Legionnaires' disease bacteria while attending the K Academy at Duke University.
Posted — UpdatedIn a press release, a Duke spokeswoman said the people were exposed at the camp for adults between Aug. 11 and Sunday.
The individuals were being treated for illness after likely being exposed to the bacteria Legionella in a training room in the Schwartz-Butters Building on campus. The training room has since been closed and is being cleaned.
The bacteria can also cause Pontiac fever, a milder infection than Legionnaires' disease, which mostly causes fever and muscle aches.
Individuals have reported flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle fatigue, nausea and respiratory distress. People reporting being sick are either being treated at Duke or by their personal doctors. The Duke spokeswoman said that everyone is expected to fully recover.
Everyone who was exposed to the bacteria has been contacted, according to a spokeswoman.
No Duke student-athletes were exposed to the bacteria or have reported being sick.
Legionnaires' disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacterium, which is found in fresh water, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bacteria can be found in shower heads, faucets, hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, decorative fountains and plumbing systems.
Symptoms, which can begin two to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria, are coughing, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches and headaches.
About one in 10 people with Legionnaires' disease dies, according to the CDC. Legionnaires' disease is treated with antibiotics, and most people who get sick make a full recovery.
In 2019, four people died from Legionnaire's disease after attending the Mountain State Fair in western North Carolina. A report from the state Department of Health and Human Services said hot tub water that sprayed into the air likely caused the outbreak, which included 136 cases of Legionnaire's disease and one case of Pontiac fever.
Since that outbreak in western North Carolina, the CDC updated guidelines for hot tub displays at public events, in part based on findings from North Carolina, including suggested training for hot tub owners and vendors and recommended daily water tests
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