TURTLE CREEK, Pa.,None — Health officials now say at least 10 cases of Legionnaires' disease have been discovered at a pair of care facilities in Turtle Creek.
The Allegheny County Health Department said Wednesday at least two people have been sickened at the Hamilton Hills Personal Care Facility in Turtle Creek. That's in addition to eight cases at the nearby LGAR Health & Rehabilitation Center.
No fatalities have been reported related to the outbreak, but three people had to be hospitalized with pneumonia-like symptoms.
Health officials say they're treating the water supplies at both facilities, although the cause of the outbreak remains unknown.
Health Department director Dr. Bruce Dixon said the bacteria sometimes spreads when facilities install systems to prevent hot water from scalding people, which causes the water to become tepid and conducive to the bacteria.
The Chief of Infectious Diseases said all of the 11 patients are showing signs of improvement and other residents shouldn't worry.
"The incubation period of Legionalla could be up to 10 days. So we'll continue to monitor the situation closely," said Sharon Silvestri of the Allegheny County Health Department.
Officials said the water supplies at the home have tested positive for Legionella and residents have been drinking bottled water to prevent any further sickness.
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