Legionnaire's disease outbreak in Wenatchee could be linked to grocery store misters

WENATCHEE, Wash. — Grocery store misters could be the source of a Legionnaire's disease outbreak in Wenatchee.

It's the first in North Central Washington in 10 years.

Four people have come down with the respiratory infection.

The only common link found so far is that they all shopped in the produce section at the Safeway on North Miller Street in the last three weeks.

Testing is being done on produce misters to see if they are the source.

Safeway officials shut down the misters Friday.

Health officials say the store has been cooperative.

People contract Legionnaire’s when they inhale tiny droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria.

The fatality rate is between 5 and 30 percent depending on when you get treatment.

Health officials are telling people to watch for symptoms of pneumonia, such as chest pains when coughing or chills.

But officials say there’s no reason to worry if you did visit the store. Most people who inhale or touch the bacteria do not get sick.

KIRO