Fatal Hampton Legionnaires' Outbreak Likely Over: NH Officials

HAMPTON, NH — A fatal outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Hampton Beach appears to be over, New Hampshire health officials said Thursday. The deceased was identified as an elderly individual. The outbreak was traced to hot tub spas at The Sands Resort and the Harris Sea Ranch Motel. At least nine of those infected contracted the disease at The Sands, officials said. Both hot tub spas were closed for cleaning.

Legionnaires' disease is a potentially deadly respiratory infection that can be found in contaminated showers, hot tubs, faucets, cooling towers, misters, and fountains, among other sources. Humans contract the disease by breathing in the bacteria that cause it. Drinking contaminated water will not transmit the disease and the disease cannot be spread from person to person. The disease can be deadly in the young, old and those with existing medical problems.

"We believe the most likely sources of exposure have been eliminated or are being addressed through water system remediation," the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement. "DHHS believes that the current overall health risk to the community is low."

The outbreak was discovered in late August and there have been no new cases this week.

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• 1 Dead In Hampton Beach Legionnaires' Outbreak
• More Infected In Hampton Legionnaires' Spa Outbreak
• Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak Discovered In Hampton Beach: 4 Infected

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