2 Md. residents contract Legionella

Frederick County officials say two residents at an assisted living center have contracted Legionella, a bacterium that causes Legionnaires' disease.

Jacqueline Douge, deputy health officer for the county health department, says the two residents of Tranquility Assisted Living Center have been hospitalized.

The health department says water used to flush toilets at the center can remain on, but showers and water sprayers cannot be used. The department is testing the water for bacteria.

Frank Gerhardt, a spokesman for the center, says the facility plans to bring in a portable shower. Residents are drinking bottled water and are taking sponge baths.

Legionnaires' disease is a bacterial infection that can cause potentially deadly pneumonia.
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Information from: The Frederick (Md.) News-Post.