A Legionnaires’ disease outbreak has killed one and sickened another in California. The Legionnaires’ outbreak happened at the California Health Care Facility (CHCF) in Stockton, California. CHCF delivers medical care to California’s prison inmates with the most severe medical needs.
A post-death analysis revealed that the inmate who died tested positive for with Legionella bacteria. Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella bacteria. Legionella bacteria live in water. People can inhale Legionella bacteria in water vapor or water droplets.
After the deceased inmate tested positive for Legionella bacteria, California corrections officials began systematically testing all patients with “radiologically confirmed pneumonia” for Legionella bacteria. Of the sixteen inmate patients tested, one additional inmate tested positive for Legionella.
According to the California Health Care Facility:
“The source of Legionella is still under investigation. In an abundance of caution, CHCF is providing bottled water for drinking and hygienic functions, halting the use of any aerosolizing equipment, shutting down the use of showers in specific areas and providing education to both staff and patients.”
According to the Los Angeles Times:
“The last major Legionnaires’ outbreak in California was in 2017 and centered on Disneyland; 22 people fell ill and one died. In that outbreak, state officials pointed to the amusement park’s air-conditioning system, which carried high level of Legionella bacteria.”
Additional information on Legionnaires’ disease for patients and clinicians is available from the CDC.
- Spokane: Meningococcal meningitis case reported in Sacajawea Middle School student
- Malaria treatment: Quinidine discontinued, Artesunate now first-line treatment for severe malaria in US
- Chronic Wasting Disease detected in Sweden moose
- E. coli O103 Outbreak Among Kentucky Kids Eating Fast Food
- Auckland measles tally now at 10
- Australia: Congenital syphilis has re-emerged in Victoria
- Avocado recall prompted by Listeria risk
- Salmonella alert issued over Darwin’s Natural Pet Products raw dog food
- Organ donation: A look at some bioethical issues with Sigrid Fry-Revere, JD, PhD
LISTEN:
2 thoughts on “Legionnaires’ Disease Kills One, Sickens Another in California”