For Immediate Release

BALTIMORE, MD (February 21, 2004) – The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and Worcester County Health Department are working together to find out why several guests who stayed at the Princess Royale Hotel in Ocean City, Maryland developed legionellosis within a week or so after staying at the hotel.  It is not certain that these guests acquired the illness at the hotel. However, because of that possibility, health officials and hotel management are notifying guests of the situation and prevention measures guests can take.

Legionellosis is a form of pneumonia caused by inhaling aerosolized water containing the Legionella bacteria. The bacteria is present in many different man-made and natural water systems. Approximately 2-10 days following exposure to the bacteria, a small number of exposed persons may develop legionellosis. Legionellosis can be treated with antibiotics. Persons at higher risk for legionellosis include smokers, the elderly, persons with chronic lung disease, and those with weakened immune systems because of disease or medications.

The Princess Royale Hotel has been fully cooperating with the Worcester County Health Department and DHMH during the investigation.  Current and incoming guests are being made aware of the situation. Guests are being provided with recommendations that will reduce exposure to aerosols, such as limiting showering, avoiding use of Jacuzzis or the whirlpool spa, and drinking bottled water.

Test results available on February 10 were negative. Additional samples have been taken from water sources in the building and are being cultured for the Legionella bacteria at the DHMH Laboratories.  Results are expected back in approximately one week. Notification of guests will continue for at least that time period.

The Worcester County Health Department is providing a representative over the weekend to be on site to answer guests’ question.  A health department official will be available for media inquiries until 11:00 pm on Saturday, February 21 and between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Sunday, February 22 and during regular hours of operations Monday through Friday.

For more information, contact:

Alan L. Wozniak, CIAQP

800-422-7873 ext. 802