RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KNX) — Riverside County health officials have identified nearly two dozen cases of Legionnaires’ disease locally in the last six months.
The county public health office has advised anyone experiencing pneumonia-like, respiratory symptoms, including fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and headache, to seek immediate medical attention.
According to Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Geoffrey Leung, 20 cases of the disease have been confirmed since fall 2021, resulting in two deaths. Officials said patients were residents of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and neighboring areas. However, one of the two deceased was a visitor from out-of-county, Leung said.
The state Department of Public Health has been coordinating with county officials to identify potential sources of the disease, which is spread through aerosolized water droplets and mists, often via showers, hot tubs, and air-conditioning units.
Those most at risk for suffering life-threatening complications from Legionnaires’ disease are smokes, seniors, and immuno-compromised persons, officials said.
The disease typically develops over a two to 10-day period and usually starts with headaches, body aches, and fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, coughing, excessive mucus production, chest pains, nausea, diarrhea, and brain fog, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
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