A second person linked to the first Legionnaires' disease case at a Middletown hospital tested negative for the infection, state officials said.
Earlier this month, the Department of Public Health confirmed one case of the infection at Connecticut Valley Hospital.
"I am pleased to report that the second individual suspected of having Legionnaires’ disease did not, in fact, have the disease and that both individuals are doing well. This appears to be an isolated case of legionellosis, which is not uncommon in Connecticut, where we see 50 to 80 cases each year," DPH commissioner Dr. Raul Pino said.
Legionnaires’ is a bacterial infection that causes pneumonia-like symptoms caused by legionella. The bacteria grows best in warm water and is typically found in cooling towers, hot tubs, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, air conditioning units and decorative fountains, DPH said.
When the infection becomes airborne, it can cause a serious form pneumonia and is particularly dangerous to individuals with underlying lung conditions or compromised immune systems.
The disease is treated with antibotics and cannot be spread person-to-person, health officials said.
