Westminster, California – Authorities in Westminster, California, have reported an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in the northwestern part of the city. Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia, is caused by Legionella bacteria commonly found in warm water environments like cooling towers, hot tubs, and fountains. The disease is not transmitted from person to person but is spread through inhalation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have noted a rise in Legionella cases nationwide, with 82 cases reported in Orange County this year.
The OC Health Care Agency is actively investigating the source of the cluster of infections alongside the county’s environmental health services department. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease mimic those of pneumonia, including fever, headache, cough, and difficulty breathing, and can be effectively treated with antibiotics. While the risk to Westminster residents and visitors is low, individuals experiencing pneumonia-like symptoms are advised to seek medical attention promptly.
Individuals over 50, those with weakened immune systems, smokers, and individuals with chronic respiratory conditions are at higher risk of experiencing severe illness from Legionnaires’ disease. Businesses and property owners with cooling towers, hot tubs, or fountains are urged to review and enhance their water management practices, including disinfection measures to prevent bacterial growth and conducting Legionella testing.
For more information on Legionnaires’ disease and updates on the ongoing investigation, residents can visit OCHealthInfo.com/Legionella. Questions can also be directed to the county’s Health Referral Line at 800-564-8488 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and provide guidance to the community to prevent further cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Westminster.