Health officials confirm Legionella cause of death in Richmond spa

Contra Costa health officials confirmed on Monday that the now-closed Zen Day Spa in Richmond was the source of an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease that killed two people earlier this month.

Health officials also announced Monday that they have declared the spa a public nuisance, ordering its owners to professionally clean the space and dispose of hot tubs that may have been infected within 30 days. did.

Health officials said water and cotton swab samples taken from the spa were tested and found to contain high levels of Legionella bacteria.

The department began an investigation of the spa at 12230 San Pablo Street on August 4, after a local hospital reported two deaths from Legionnaires’ disease. Both had visited the store before they fell ill.

From the next day, he took a voluntary leave of absence. The health department said it has contacted more than 30 recent customers of the spa, as well as people in the area who recently contracted Legionnaires’ disease reported through local health care providers.

Two other people who visited the store were also confirmed to have legionnaires’ disease.

The spa may not reopen until it is re-inspected by the health department, which said the spa had not obtained the necessary permits to operate and had not been inspected by the department.

“Most public pools and spas require both disinfection and recirculation equipment,” Christian Lucas, assistant director of environmental health programs at Contra Costa Health, said at a news conference Monday. “It was an apartment complex and lacked some systems, such as the sanitizing system.”

Legionnaires’ disease can cause severe pneumonia, according to the Department of Health. Legionella bacteria naturally live in fresh water, but if the water is not properly maintained in hot tubs and swimming pools, the bacteria can grow and cause health concerns.

Breathing mist containing bacteria can cause infection. This disease is not contagious from person to person.

Dr. Ori Zvieri, Contra Costa County Health Officer, said in a statement, “As climate change continues, proper maintenance of bathtubs and pools is becoming increasingly important for both businesses and the private sector that owns them. there is,” he said. “Water that has not been properly treated is more susceptible to the growth of legionella and bacteria at higher temperatures, which makes it easier for them to grow.”

Lucas said Contra Costa Health will recover costs related to the reduction effort from the spa owner and refer the matter to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office for possible prosecution.

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