ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, November 19, 1996 TAG: 9611190120
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: LYNCHBURG
A case of Legionnaire's disease has been confirmed in central Virginia, but authorities said they don't think there's a link to a recent outbreak in the New River Valley.
The single case of the pneumonialike disease was the first in the area this year, said Dr. Joanna Harris, director of the Central Virginia Health District. No cases were confirmed in 1995 in the district, which includes Lynchburg and the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell.
The patient, a man, is in Lynchburg General Hospital. His family asked that no information be released about him, said Mary Lawson, a hospital spokeswoman.
Fifteen cases were reported in the New River Valley last month. One person died in that outbreak, which was traced to a building supply store's hot tub display.
Legionnaire's disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted when a person inhales contaminated water vapor. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection.
Harris said the disease often strikes older people who have other medical problems.
- Associated Press
LENGTH: Short : 33 linesby CNB