Update: The Shelby County Health Department has released its report with the findings of its investigation.
The La Quinta Inn in Memphis, located near the airport at 2979 Millbranch Road, was ordered closed on September 22 by the Shelby County Health Department, due to a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, according to news reports.
According to the reports, there have been six confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease, diagnosed roughly during the months of July and September.
A major concern according to the health department is that there were in the range of 6,000 reservations during the period in which it is believed the hotel was infected with the legionella bacteria. Because the hotel is located near the airport, it is a high occupancy location with people traveling from all over the country.
The county is in the process of reaching out to patrons of the hotel to notify them of the outbreak. If you or a loved one has been experiencing flu-like symptoms, be sure to see a doctor to get tested for Legionnaires’ disease, including for testing pulmonary function to determine of there is any permanent respiratory damage.
