Preliminary lab results show the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease is in the hot water system at the senior housing complex in Elmira, New York where state officials say six residents were stricken and one died.

The Chemung County Health Department says the state lab test found Legionella bacteria, and as of Friday evening the use of the hot water had been suspended while the tanks were flushed and the system super heated to kill the bacteria.

The Health Department advised residents to take sponge baths instead of showers to avoid breathing in water vapor. Residents have been provided with bottled water since Tuesday.

Legionnaires' is a severe form of pneumonia that can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms include high fever, chills and cough