Hampton Beach Legionnaires' Outbreak Toll: 1 Dead, 18 Infected

HAMPTON, NH — New Hampshire health officials said Tuesday they are confident a fatal Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Hampton Beach has been contained. Eighteen people were infected, including an elderly individual who died. The outbreak, discovered last month, was traced to hot tub spas at The Sands Resort and the Harris Sea Ranch Motel.

"There have not been any new individuals reported to DHHS with suspect or confirmed Legionnaires’ disease since the hot tubs at the Sands Resort and the Harris Sea Ranch Motel were shut down the last week in August," the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement. "The current health risk to the community is low."

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.

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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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