Seven cases of Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia, have been reported in northwest Westminster, according to the OC Health Care Agency.
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the Legionella bacterium, which grows in warm water environments such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and fog from fountains. It is usually spread by inhalation but is not contagious from person to person.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the number of Legionnaires’ infections has increased nationwide over the past year. There have been 82 cases reported in Orange County so far this year. The Health Department’s Disease Control and Epidemiology Team and the county’s Department of Environmental Health Services are also investigating potential sources of cluster infections.
Symptoms of this disease are similar to those of other pneumonias, such as fever, headache, cough, and shortness of breath, and can be treated with antibiotics. The agency reports that the risk to anyone living in or visiting Westminster is very small, but residents who exhibit pneumonia-like symptoms are encouraged to see a health care provider. are.
People over the age of 50, people with weakened immune systems, smokers, or people with chronic respiratory conditions are more likely to experience severe symptoms from Legionnaires’ disease.
Businesses and property owners, especially those with cooling towers, hot tubs, and fountains, are encouraged to review their water management practices, including disinfecting and testing for Legionella to prevent bacterial growth. Masu.
For more information about Legionnaires’ disease and the latest information on ongoing research, please visit: OCHealthInfo.com/Legionella. If you have additional questions, you can also contact the county’s Health Referral Line at 800-564-8488 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
First edition publication date:
