Health officials: 10th case of Legionnaires' connected to stay in downtown Atlanta

ATLANTA (FOX 5 Atlanta) - The total number of confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease in individuals who stayed at a downtown Atlanta hotel has risen again to 10, health officials confirmed Wednesday afternoon.

Managers at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel on July 14 after three reported cases. They said the doors will remain closed to guests until Aug. 11 while they worked to find a source and work to eradicate any trace. So far, there has been no news of any of the tests coming back to confirm the hotel itself was the source of infection.

RELATED: Health officials: 9th case of Legionnaires' after patient stayed at downtown hotel

Legionnaires' is a water-borne bacteria and can be contracted through such sources as a pool, hot tub, air conditioner, mist sprayer, or even the water supply itself. The infection can present itself with flu-like symptoms, but unlike the flu, it can be treated with antibiotics.

Health officials praised the steps the management at the Sheraton was taking in light of reported cases.

The Sheraton is one of the five host hotels for Dragon Con, the largest multimedia pop-culture convention in the United States which draws about 80,000 visitors annually to Atlanta’s hotel district. The hotel serves as the registration point for members as well fills up its rooms with guests attending the convention. Both hotel management and Dragon Con officials are hopeful the hotel will be back in time for the big event.

So far, no deaths have been reported.

RELATED: Sheraton Atlanta will remained closed until Aug. 11, managers say