SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA — A Legionella outbreak linked to Kaiser Permanente’s Santa Clara Medical Center is under active investigation after 18 people became sick following exposure to the dangerous bacterial infection. The infections occur when individuals breathe in mist from a contaminated water source, and the disease can lead to severe pneumonia in those affected. Health officials and Kaiser Permanente are working to identify the contaminated water source responsible for sickening 18 people connected to the Santa Clara Medical Center facility.
What Is Legionella and How Does It Spread
Legionella is a dangerous waterborne bacteria that causes Legionnaires disease, a severe form of pneumonia that can be life threatening particularly for older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and those with underlying health conditions. The infection does not spread from person to person but instead occurs when individuals inhale water droplets or mist containing the Legionella bacteria from a contaminated water source.
Common sources of Legionella outbreaks in healthcare settings include cooling towers, hot water systems, decorative fountains, and other water-based systems that can harbor and spread the bacteria through aerosolized water particles that are then breathed in by nearby individuals.
18 People Sickened at Kaiser Santa Clara
Eighteen people have become sick in connection with the Legionella outbreak linked to Kaiser Permanente’s Santa Clara Medical Center. The investigation is ongoing to determine the precise contaminated water source within or connected to the facility that is responsible for the outbreak and the resulting illnesses among those affected.
Healthcare facility Legionella outbreaks are taken extremely seriously by public health authorities given the vulnerable patient populations typically present in hospital environments and the severity of Legionnaires disease as a form of pneumonia.
Investigation Underway to Find Source
Health officials are actively investigating the outbreak to identify and eliminate the contaminated water source responsible for the 18 Legionella cases linked to Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center. Identifying and decontaminating the source is the critical step required to stop additional infections from occurring among patients, staff, and visitors connected to the facility.
Kaiser Permanente and Santa Clara County public health authorities are working in coordination on the investigation as the case continues to develop.
What People Should Watch For
Anyone who has recently visited or spent time at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center and is experiencing symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, or headache should seek immediate medical attention and inform their healthcare provider of their recent visit to the facility. Early treatment of Legionnaires disease with antibiotics significantly improves outcomes for infected individuals. Stay with GordonRamsayClub.com for the latest updates.
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