The first lawsuit linked to the fatal outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at a downtown Atlanta Sheraton hotel was filed this morning in Gwinnett County on behalf of a man who became sick after visiting the facility in late June and July.

According to the filing attorneys, at least 40 more cases are lined up, with more likely.

“Many more people have the disease and have not been tested or simply do not know they were exposed,” said Matthew Wetherington, who filed the suit with Wetherington Law Firm colleague Robert Friedman and Chris Stewart of Stewart Trial Law.   

The outbreak spurred the Sheraton to close last month, and at least a dozen illnesses have been confirmed so far. One fatality has been linked to the disease: Cameo Garrett, 49, died at her home of heart disease believed aggravated by exposure to the bacteria during a June stay at the hotel.

The plaintiff in the just-filed case, 67-year-old Germany Greer, was at the hotel from June 27 through July 1.

Wetherington said Greer did not stay overnight at the hotel but was at a conference taking photographs.

“He didn’t get into the pool, he didn’t get into the hot tub. He was just there during the day,” Wetherington said.

Wetherington said Greer suffered respiratory distress and was admitted to an intensive care unit.

“He had severe pneumonia, sore throat and confusion. He didn’t even know where he was,” Wetherington said.

Legionnaires’ disease is linked to contaminated water systems, and its symptoms resemble those of severe pneumonia.

“Approximately one in ten people who contract Legionnaires disease will die from its complications and symptoms, which include coughing, shortness or breath, fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, and headache,” the complaint said.

The defendants include the companies that own and manage the Sheraton, including Arepii Sa Hotel, The Arden Group, HEI Hotels and general manager Kenneth Peduzzi.

It was filed in Gwinnett County State Court.