MVH opens legionnaire's info hotline

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Miami Valley Hospital released a hotline phone number Thursday evening to answer your questions about a legionnaie's scare at the hospital.

The 24-hour hotline number is # 208-2666.

Hospital officials believe legionella bacteria got into the hosptial's water system during construction of the new heart tower.

Health experts say the hospital's water supply is now safe, but after getting calls from concerned citizens, city officials decided to e-mail us, to say the water supply in the rest of Dayton is fine.

Medical experts also say someone developing Legionnaire's disease is highly unlikely.

"I've only seen one or two cases in the last couple of years... but in the span of a years time maybe a handful," said Dr. Howard Wunderlich.

Hospital officials say elderly people and those with health problems are more vulnerable.

Legionnaire's disease affects 10,000 to 18,000 people a year. Doctors at the Centers for Disease Control report these symptoms:

- fever
- chills
- cough within 2 to 14 days of infection.

It is fatal in 5 to 50 percent of cases. It is not contagious.