Contra Costa Health (CCH) is investigating two recent deaths associated with legionellosis (Legionnairesā Disease), potentially linked to visits to the Zen Day Spa at 12230 San Pablo Ave., Richmond.
The deaths were reported to CCH on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Investigation of the deaths revealed both patients had reportedly visited the spa just days prior to the onset of their illnesses.
CCH is aware of a third person who was infected with Legionnaires’ Disease after using the jacuzzi tub at the Zen Day Spa in June. That patient recovered.
CCHās Environmental Health inspectors conducted an assessment of the facility and found no existing records indicating the business has ever been issued a permit for a spa or pool. CCH closed the spa on Friday.
CCH is taking samples of the water at the spa and will send them for lab analysis to confirm the presence of legionella bacteria. Preliminary results are expected by early next week.
Legionnairesā Disease presents as a severe form of pneumonia that can result in hospitalization, yet is treatable with antibiotics. The incubation period following exposure is typically 2 to 14 days.
CCH encourages anyone who may have recently visited Zen Day Spa to watch for symptoms of Legionnairesā Disease. If they experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever, chills and cough, they should seek immediate medical care.
CCH strongly advises healthcare providers to test for legionella in patients with pneumonia who have visited Zen Day Spa within two weeks of their illness. Testing is also recommended for hospitalized patients with pneumonia of unknown cause.
Legionella bacteria are commonly found in natural freshwater sources such as lakes and streams. However, health concerns arise when these bacteria grow and spread in human-made water systems such as hot tubs.
People can become infected after breathing in small water droplets containing Legionella bacteria, which can become airborne through mist in a hot tub or via the use of hoses and faucets.
Individuals at higher risk of Legionnairesā Disease include people over 50 years of age, those with a past or current smoking history, individuals with chronic lung disease, or those with a weakened immune system.
It is important to note that Legionnairesā Disease does not spread from person to person.
CCH is actively working to investigate the source of the potential outbreak and to prevent further cases. Important updates will be posted on the CCH Facebook page at facebook.com/contracostahealth.
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Nobody got Legionnairesā Disease from the old public hot tubs in Pleasant Hill. I’m sure there were other cooties in those giant petrie dishes though.
Three years ago this would have been called ‘covid’ and the whole county would be on lockdown.
You are right, This is true!
The News just reported that a lot of the covid deaths may not have been covid caused after all. But were hastily listed as such as there was extra government money given.
Almost like Iāve been saying this the whole timeā¦almost
Whereās Richmonds business permit department?
Asleep at the wheel I surmise. Or maybe a little payoff.
Legionnaires disease is pneumonia caused by bacteria in water in the air…….. if this was related to an establishment then everyone would be infected. People get this when they enter old caves or water towers without air circulation…….. opinion….. another “cry wolf” situation and given the overly litigious world we live in this is a money maker.
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Ugh. Establishments like spas, bath houses, and locker rooms at gyms are disgusting and filthy. Yuck.
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A permit for the hot tub would not have prevented Legionnairesā Disease nor the subsequent deaths. I’m assuming a city inspector was not provided with a satisfactory happy ending treatment and is now retaliating.
It also seems that they have been unable to locate the source within the spa. Swabbing and testing something as small as the typical spa is easy. It seems likely the spa was not at fault.
@Angry American – Not everyone in a room or building comes down with a disease or illness when an infectious or poisonous agent is present.