19 Legionella bacteria infections linked to Kaiser Bay Area hospital
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Kaiser Permanente is still trying to determine the source of bacteria responsible for 19 recent cases of Legionella infection identified at a hospital in the San Francisco Bay Area.The 19 infections were linked to Kaiser’s medical center in Santa Clara.
Most of those who fell sick are recovering at home, Kaiser said in a recent statement.The bacteria were identified through “robust routine internal monitoring processes,” according to Kaiser.“Our medical center is a safe place to visit and receive care,” the health system said.
Kaiser did not specify how ill those infected are, nor did they say specifically how the bacteria were detected.California Contra Costa County health officers are investigating two recent deaths associated with legionellosis, potentially linked to visits to a Richmond spa.Infection can occur when Legionella — which appears naturally in environments such as lakes and streams — gets into building water systems and people breathe in mist containing the bacteria, according to the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The bacteria grow best in warm temperatures, between 77 and 113 degrees.
The disease does not spread from person to person.The most severe form of Legionella bacteria infection leads to Legionnaires’ disease, a serious and potentially deadly type of pneumonia, the CDC says.Legionnaires is treatable with antibiotics, but early treatment improves the odds of recovery.
A milder form of Legionella infection called Pontiac fever can also cause aches and headaches.Legionella can grow and spread in devices such as hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, complex plumbing systems, showerheads, sink faucets and decorative fountains, according to the California Department of Public Health.
Most people who are exposed to Legionella don’t get sick, but the bacteria can cause serious infections in some cases.“While we w...