Possible Legionella Exposure at Duke Athletics Program

Approximately 84 individuals are being treated for illness after likely being exposed to the bacteria Legionella while attending the K Academy, a basketball camp for adults that took place August 11-15 on the Duke University campus. The individuals have reported flu-like symptoms that include fever, muscle fatigue, nausea and respiratory distress.  

No Duke student-athletes were exposed to the bacteria or have reported illness.

Duke infectious disease specialists have worked with federal, state and local public health officials to identify the source of the exposure, which likely occurred in a training room in the Schwartz-Butters Building. All the individuals who were exposed to the bacteria have been positively identified and have been contacted by Duke physicians.

Duke environmental health specialists have determined that exposure was limited to the training room, which is now closed while mitigation and cleaning efforts are underway. No other spaces in the Schwartz-Butters Building were affected, and there is no continuing risk to employees or visitors.

Legionella is not contagious, and the ill individuals present no risk to family members or others in the community. All the individuals who have reported illness are being treated at Duke or by their local physicians, and all are expected to fully recover.