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Legionnaire's Disease, the bane of hotels around the world, has hit one of Israel's most prestigious institutions – the Tel Aviv Hilton. The bacteria was discovered during the course of water quality tests in the basement of the hotel.

Three people who took ill in the hotel with the disease were diagnosed with the bacteria, leading officials to inspect the Hilton's water and heating system.

Officials said that they have taken steps to deal with the issue, and that the hotel is safe. Hotel officials stress that the water used in the system is not distributed to the rooms or dining halls of the hotel.

Air-conditioning and heating services have been suspended at the hotel while officials remove the contaminated water.

Legionnaire's Disease is caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacteria, and is transmitted mostly by the inhalation of aerosolized water – such as that given off by air conditioners.

The bacteria generally grows in hot-water tanks, cooling towers, and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems, such as those commonly found in hotels and large office buildings.

Though the first known outbreak was in Philadelphia – at a convention of the American Legion - cases of legionellosis have occurred throughout the world.