The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is advising recent guests of Roaring River Lodge and RV Park in Cassville, Mo., of a potential health concern. The resort, located at 23359 State Highway 112, has been linked to three separate cases of Legionnaires’ disease in individuals who stayed there in July of this year.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by inhaling small water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. While generally not contagious between people, the disease can pose significant health risks, especially to those who are 50 years or older, smokers, or individuals with weakened immune systems.
DHSS conducted an assessment of the facility and collected water samples, with preliminary results indicating the presence of Legionella bacteria in the resort’s water system. The investigation is ongoing, and DHSS is working with the Roaring River Lodge to implement measures to eradicate the bacteria. Final results from the environmental samples are expected later this week.
The resort management has begun notifying recent guests who stayed in the hotel portion of the facility. DHSS emphasizes that while most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not become ill, it is important to be vigilant for symptoms of pneumonia, which can appear 2 to 10 days after exposure and may include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches. Additional symptoms such as confusion, nausea, or diarrhea may also occur.
Guests who develop symptoms within two weeks of staying, working, or visiting the Roaring River Lodge should seek immediate medical attention and request testing for Legionnaires’ disease. Prompt diagnosis and reporting to local or state health departments are crucial for effective treatment and public health management.
