Amid an alarming health scare, Contra Costa Health (CCH) is currently investigating a possible link between a Richmond spa and two recent deaths due to Legionnaires' Disease, with the Zen Day Spa coming under intense scrutiny. The potentially deadly outbreak has raised concerns in the local community, as the spa had reportedly been operating without a permit for their pool and jacuzzi facilities.
According to CBS News San Francisco, a third person survived an infection after using the spa's jacuzzi in June, heightening the curiosity surrounding the Zen Day Spa located at 12230 San Pablo Avenue. Contra Costa Health closed the spa on Friday after the fatalities were reported and an assessment found that no permit had been issued for a spa or pool at the location.
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NBC Bay Area reported that samples of the spa water have been collected and sent for lab analysis to determine the presence of legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaires' Disease. Preliminary results are expected to be available early next week, revealing if there's any immediate threat from the previously unknown bacteria lurking in the spa's water.
As the investigation continues, CCH has urged people who have recently visited Zen Day Spa to not only remain vigilant towards the symptoms of Legionnaires' Disease but also seek immediate medical care if they develop any issues. They stress that the disease, though treatable with antibiotics, presents as a severe form of pneumonia that can lead to hospitalization. The incubation period following exposure can vary from two to 14 days, so anyone who has visited the spa in that timeframe may be at risk.
Symptoms of Legionnaires' Disease include shortness of breath, fever, chills, and coughing. It poses a higher risk to people over 50 years of age, current or past smokers, those with chronic lung disease, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Yet, it is important to note that Legionnaires' Disease does not spread from person to person, as CCH mentioned.
Legionella bacteria are typically found in natural freshwater sources, such as lakes and streams. Health risks, however, can arise when these bacteria grow and spread in human-made water systems like hot tubs. People can become infected after inhaling small water droplets containing the bacteria, which can become airborne through mist in a hot tub or via the use of hoses and faucets.
In the meantime, CCH is actively investigating the potential source of the outbreak at the spa in hopes of preventing any further cases.
As the community in Richmond and surrounding areas await the results of the spa water tests, the investigation's findings will likely have implications for the health and wellness industry in the region. CCH plans to post updates on its Facebook page as new information unfolds. Advice for healthcare providers has been given at this critical time, emphasizing the importance of prompt testing for legionella in patients with pneumonia who have visited Zen Day Spa within the incubation window of their illness.
