Dora Mills discusses Legionnaires’ disease outbreak with 'WGME'

An alarming infectious disease outbreak is making headlines across New England. 14 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease in Hampton, New Hampshire, with one infected person dying from complications related to pneumonia.

Dora Anne Mills, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, University of New England vice president of Clinical Affairs and director for the Center for Excellence in Health Innovation, told WGME the symptoms include a severe cough, fever, body chills and aches. She says they typically show up within two to 10 days of contracting the disease.

"It is a very severe infection, particularly those who are over the age of 50 or have compromised immune systems," Mills told WGME.

The first known outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease began as a medical mystery.

"It gets its name because of a Legionnaires’ conference in 1976 in Philadelphia, where several dozen Legionnaires were infected and several of them tragically died," said Mills.

State health officials posted a notice at the front desk of a Hampton, New Hampshire resort stating tests show Legionella bacteria may still be present in the resort’s water system. The bacteria was found in a water heater, outdoor shower hose, as well as shower and sink heads in three guest rooms.

Mills says there have been sporadic cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Maine, but she cannot recall the last time there was an outbreak.