The Legionnaires’ disease outbreak which has its source linked to the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel has claimed its first life.
Local news stations report Cameo Garrett, 49, died of coronary artery disease ‘aggravated by Legionella pneumonia.’
Garrett was at the hotel for a conference, as were most of the other 11 confirmed cases of Legionnaires.
Health officials told CNN there are up to another 61 probable cases.
The hotel has been closed for days and will remain closed until at least August 11.
The Georgia Department of Public Health is still advising anyone who visited or stayed at the hotel from July 12-15 and has any probable Legionella symptoms to immediately seek medical assistance.
Legionnaires’ disease symptoms include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
It is carried through water droplets and can be found in hot tubs, water tanks and cooling towers.
"Sheraton Atlanta continues to work closely with public health officials and environmental experts to determine if the hotel is the source of the Legionella outbreak. The hotel has voluntarily moved ahead with precautionary remedial activities," the hotel said in a statement.
