Legionnaire's Bacteria Found in Berlin Hotel

The managers of Berlin's Ritz-Carlton hotel are continuing their search for the source of Legionnaires' bacteria, which was found in several rooms during a routine check. The problem, which likely began in the hotel's hydraulic system, did not affect restaurants or bars, nor have any guests been affected. The hotel's director, Walter Junger, said all the guests have been informed about the problem, and have reacted calmly. "Up to now, no guests have checked out earlier than planned," he said. The hotel has not said how many rooms they've had to close because of the bacteria. A Berlin newspaper that tried to book a room at the Ritz-Carlton, however, was unsuccessful. The reason: The hotel was fully booked. Legionnaire's Disease is a form of pneumonia caused by bacteria that lives in water droplets. In most major outbreaks, the source of infection has been water in the air-conditioning system of large buildings. The hotel immediately called Berlin's health department upon identifying the bacteria, and the hydraulic system was disinfected.