NYSDOH Warns Of Legionella Bacteria Found In Watkins Glen

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) is warning people of possible exposure of Legionella Bacteria at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel on North Franklin Street in Watkins Glen.

WENY is reporting that NYSDOH department says people who were guests of the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel between July 16th and August 1st and were in the area of the pool and spa, may have been exposed to the bacteria.

Legionnaires' disease is caused by a type of bacteria that is found naturally in the environment and grows best in warm water like hot tubs. People get infected when they breathe in a mist or vapor (small droplets of water in the air) containing the bacteria but is not spread from one person to another person.

Legionnaires' disease can have symptoms similar to pneumonia (lung infection),  including a cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headaches. These symptoms usually begin 2 to 10 days after being exposed to the bacteria.

[Information from WENY and NYSDOH]