(Santa Ana, CA) –The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) was notified of seven confirmed cases of Legionnaire’s Disease (LD) among residents living in a community in a northwestern corner of Westminster (see map). Investigations have begun by the HCA’s Disease Control and Epidemiology team and HCA’s Environmental Health Services to identify potential sources of the infections which could include cooling towers, pools, spas, or other water sources in the area.
Legionnaires' disease is caused by Legionella bacteria and thrives in warm water environments and is typically spread through the inhalation of aerosolized water droplets, such as mist from cooling towers, hot tubs, and decorative fountains. It is not contagious from person to person. The symptoms of Legionnaires' disease are like other causes of pneumonia and can be treated with antibiotics.
Legionella cases reported to the HCA have steadily been increasing over the last five years, from 66 cases in 2019, to 92 in 2023. So far in 2024, 82 cases have been reported in Orange County. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported marked increases in Legionella cases over the past twelve months throughout the U.S.
The risk to anyone who lives or visits Westminster is very small, however, the HCA recommends that individuals who live and work in this area and who become ill with pneumonia-like illness visit their healthcare provider and discuss this advisory. People who are more likely to experience severe illness from Legionnaires’ disease include individuals 50 years and older, those with weakened immune systems, those with chronic respiratory conditions (e.g. asthma, COPD) and smokers.
The HCA has also published medical provider advisories to recommend that medical providers consider testing for Legionnaire’s disease (LD) in any patient who develops pneumonia and lives in, works in, or has spent significant time in northwestern Westminster in the 14 days before symptom onset.
Symptoms most associated with pneumonia and Legionnaires' disease include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea
Additionally, the HCA is asking businesses and property owners to review their water management practices, especially those with cooling towers, hot tubs, or fountains. The following steps are recommended to help mitigate the spread of Legionella:
- Review, maintain and/or establish a water management program.
- Disinfection of cooling towers and water systems to prevent bacteria growth.
- Perform routine water system maintenance and maintain records and logs.
- Perform Legionella testing through accredited laboratories, particularly following any remediation efforts.
For more information on Legionnaires' disease, and for updated information regarding this ongoing investigation, please visit the HCA’s website at www.ochealthinfo.com/legionella. The HCA’s Health Referral Line is available to answer any additional questions at (800) 564-8488, M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ABOUT THE OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is a regional interdisciplinary health jurisdiction and an accredited health department, charged with protecting and promoting individual, family and community health through partnership and coordination of public and private sector resources. Visit www.ochealthinfo.com to learn more about services and resources.
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