WHITEWATER — A University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student is being treated for a probable case of Legionnaire's disease, a pneumonia-like condition acquired by inhaling mists from a contaminated water source.

The 22-year-old student, who lives alone in an off-campus apartment, is recovering after becoming ill early last week, said Dr. Jason Welch, who has been treating him at Mercy Hospital in Janesville.
Health officials have alerted the campus to be on the lookout for other possible cases of the disease, which can range from mild to fatal. None have been reported, and the student's case is believed to be an isolated incident, said Pat Grove, health officer for the Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services.

Legionnaire's is not spread from person to person, and the student's case has not been confirmed by additional testing, Grove said.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services also has investigated and determined that no testing of the student's environment is called for at this time, said spokeswoman Stephanie Marquis. Legionnaire's can be transmitted through hot tubs, hot water tanks, plumbing and air conditioning systems and other water sources.

About 54 cases of Legionnaire's are reported in the state each year. Three cases have been reported in Walworth County in the past five years.

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