One dead after Napa Valley LD outbreak

USA: The cooling tower on a hotel roof in California’s Napa Valley has been taken offline following a legionnaires’ disease outbreak which has killed one and hospitalised eleven others.

Following the outbreak on July 11, testing has been carried out on a number of  human-made water sources, including decorative fountains and cooling towers. 

High levels of legionella bacteria was detected in the cooling tower at Embassy Suites Napa Valley, which has now been shut down. However, none of the twelve residents diagnosed with legionnaires’ disease have been identified as stayed at, or visiting, the hotel.

Napa County Public Health is continuing its investigation to identify any additional sources that might contain the legionella bacteria in unsafe amounts.

“Finding legionella in one water sample is an important piece of the puzzle, but we must continue to investigate other cooling towers and water sources in the outbreak area, as it is common to find more than one source,” said Napa County health officer Dr Karen Relucio. 

The individual who passed away was over the age of 50 and had risk factors for severe disease. Three other victims remain in hospital.