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The patient has been diagnosed with legionellosis, a bacterial infection that causes pneumonia-like symptoms that is commonly known as Legionnaires’ disease.
The announcement was made by the state Departments of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Public Health. The patient is receiving treatment at an area hospital and is doing well, DPH said. A second suspected case is also being treated, and DPH is awaiting test results.
DMHAS and DPH are working together to determine the possible source of the bacteria, Legionella, that caused the illness. It is typically found in soil and water and grows best in warm water. It has been found in cooling towers, hot tubs, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, air conditioning systems and decorative fountains. When it becomes airborne, it can cause a very serious form of pneumonia, particularly in individuals with underlying lung conditions or compromised immune systems.
"Patient care is our No. 1 priority, and we are educating our patients and staff in the unlikely event that additional cases occur," said DMHAS Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon. "While we investigate the source we will continue to keep our patients and staff informed."
It is not unusual for cases of legionellosis to be reported in Connecticut, DPH said. Typically, 50 to 80 cases are diagnosed each year in the state, DPH said.
"We are working closely with DMHAS to determine the source of the legionellosis and to advise on additional steps that may be required to remediate the source and protect patients and staff," DPH Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino said. "This is a serious disease, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions. ... It is important to keep in mind that the bacteria cannot be transmitted from person to person."
Connecticut Valley Hospital is a state-run facility that treats people with mental illnesses.
"While this is something state government is taking very seriously, I would encourage the public to not be alarmed. We will continue to work diligently until this is resolved and provide updates as needed," Gov. Dannel Malloy said.
Officials said this case of Legionnaires’ is different from the recent outbreak of the disease in New York City, which was caused by contaminated water in large cooling towers on top of a hospital in the Bronx. Water dripping from the cooling towers was responsible for transmitting legionella to pedestrians, patients, and hospital staff walking on the sidewalks below.
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