Legionnaires’ disease cases connected to Graceland hotel

Shelby County health officials have shut down a swimming pool and hot tub at a Graceland hotel after determining the facilities might be linked to three cases of Legionnaires’ disease.

Health Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Hart said although she can’t say for sure that the people infected with the ailment had used the pool or tub at the hotel at The Guest House at Graceland, “I would say the investigation is leading in that direction.”

Legionnaires’ is a bacterial infection caused by breathing contaminated freshwater mist or droplets. It can cause a pneumonia-like disease, with symptoms including coughing, shortness of breath, high fever, headaches and muscle aches. It is generally treated with antibiotics.

The three cases were confirmed by laboratory analysis.

The outbreak comes less than a year after another hotel, the La Quinta Inn & Suites Memphis Airport Graceland, near Memphis International Airport, was temporarily closed after officials linked it to nine confirmed cases of Legionnaires’, along with 26 probable and seven suspected cases.

Located just north of the iconic Elvis Presley home that draws more than 500,000 visitors annually, the Guest House at Graceland opened in October. It features 450 rooms, plus two restaurants, spaces for meetings and special events and a 464-seat theater for live performances and movies.

Health Department officials are asking any guests who stayed at the hotel between May 15 and June 26 and experienced possible Legionnaires’ symptoms to call its hotline at 901-222-9299.

“It would not be surprising to see that number [of cases] go up,” Hart said.

It’s too early to say how long the pool and hot tub will be closed, she added.

Hotel officials said in a prepared statement they were cooperating with the Health Department in its investigation. “We care deeply about the health and safety of all our guests and employees. Our hotel remains open and fully operational. By closing our hot tub and pool facilities temporarily, we are taking all proper precautions as [the health department] completes its investigation.”

“Graceland is working closely with Pyramid Hotel Group who manages the hotel,” Graceland officials said in a statement. “Our primary concern is the health and welfare of their guests. The issue does not affect the Graceland attraction and tours in any way.”