SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – One person has died and several others have been hospitalized in an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Napa County, health officials said on Wednesday.
In all, 12 Napa County residents have been hospitalized since July 11.
Three people remain in the hospital. The person who died "was over the age of 50 and had risk factors for severe disease," health officials explained.
To identify the source of the outbreak, investigators tested "human-made water sources, such as cooling towers and decorative fountains." High levels of Legionella bacteria were found in a sample taken from a cooling tower at Embassy Suites Napa Valley at 1075 California Boulevard in Napa.
The cooling tower "has been taken offline," health officials said.
None of the 12 people diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease stayed or visited the Embassy Suites hotel.
"Our joint investigation team continues to work with Embassy Suites staff to remediate the source of exposure," Napa County Health Officer Dr. Karen Relucio said in a statement. "Finding Legionella in one water sample is an important piece of the puzzle, but we must continue to investigate other cooling towers and water sources in the outbreak area, as it is common to find more than one source."
Those at risk for complications from Legionnaires' disease include people over 50, cigarette smokers and anyone with chronic lung disease or compromised immune systems. It's caused by breathing in aerosols containing Legionella bacteria and is a type of pneumonia.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Related
Related
Related
