Kaiser Permanente confirmed that its Santa Clara, California, medical center had treated over a dozen Legionella cases, a highly contagious bacterium that can cause pneumonia.
As of Wednesday, May 6, the medical center had treated at least 18 people infected with the disease, and is currently working to determine the source of the outbreak. The hospital noted that the bacteria was identified “through our robust routine internal monitoring processes.”
“Legionella bacteria occur naturally in water and are spread by inhaling contaminated mist, not through person-to-person contact,” Kaiser Permanente said in a release. “These diseases aren’t contagious.”
Legionella is the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease.
Regardless, the health care provider noted that it would implement additional steps, such as introducing preventive and water treatment measures, “out of an abundance of caution,” for all patients and staff.
Kaiser Permanente noted that its hospitals and medical office building are operating normally and continuing to care safely for patients. The health provider is working with local and state health officials to determine the source of the disease.
What is Legionnaires’ disease?
People infected with the bacterium Legionella pneumophila may develop Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia. If the disease is left untreated, it can be fatal for older or immunocompromised patients.
The bacteria can also lead to a less severe flu-like condition known as Pontiac fever.
“Older adults, people with weakened immune systems and people who smoke have a higher risk of getting Legionnaires’ disease,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
The infection spreads through tiny water droplets that have Legionella bacteria, with past outbreaks being linked to hot tubs, hot water tanks, swimming pools and other public water systems, according to Mayo Clinic.
People typically develop Legionnaires’ disease symptoms within two to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria. Common symptoms people experience are headaches, muscle aches, serious fevers, coughing, chest pains, shortness of breath and nausea, according to Kaiser Permanente.
If people believe they’ve been infected by the bacteria, it’s recommended that they make an appointment with their doctor’s office. For older or immunocompromised patients, it’s recommended that they seek treatment right away at their local medical center.
Noe Padilla is a Northern California Reporter for USA Today. Contact him at npadilla@usatodayco.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social. Sign up for the TODAY Californian newsletter or follow us on Facebook at TODAY Californian.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is Legionella? What to know about cases in California hospital
