Duke Investigating Source of Legionella Bacteria at Mike Krzyzewski’s K Academy

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Duke University announced Thursday an
estimated 84 people are being treated for illnesses related to likely
exposure to the bacteria Legionella while in attendance for the K
Academy, an adult fantasy camp involving Blue Devils basketball coach
Mike Krzyzewski, on the North Carolina campus.

The statement said none of the school’s
student-athletes were among those exposed to Legionella, which is not
contagious, and all of the people affected are expected to make a full
recovery.

“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,” the school said.

The statement also noted a cleaning
process is underway in the impacted area and there’s “no continuing
risk” to those on the campus.

K Academy activities took place from
Aug. 11 through Aug. 15.

The event’s official website calls it a “once-in-a-lifetime experience for the ultimate Duke or college
basketball fan.”

“Campers spend five days in Cameron
Indoor Stadium where they go from opening day tryouts to Sunday’s
championship tournament. Along the way, campers play games on Coach K
Court in Cameron and learn the inside scoop on Duke’s five-time
national championship program,” the website states.

ESPN’s Myron Medcalf noted it costs
$12,500 per camper to attend the event.

The 2021 edition marked the 18th year
of the K Academy. It’s unclear whether the camp will
continue in the future with Krzyzewski set to retire following the
2021-22 college basketball season.