Legionnaires
North Bay, Napa County reports an outbreak of Legionnaires. This deadly form of pneumonia has affected 12 people, 11 have been sickened and hospitalized while causing 1 death.
Dr. Karen Relucio, Public Health Officer in her statement says, “We are deeply saddened by the death of this individual, and our thoughts and condolences go out to the family. We share a concern for all impacted by this outbreak.”
The ‘Legionella bacterium’ that caused the disease was discovered in samples from a rooftop cooling tower at Embassy Suites by Hilton Napa Valley. All the patients have been reported to be residents of the area however it is noted that they have not visited or stayed at Embassy Suites.
Though there are around 10,000 cases of Legionnaires disease in the U.S. annually, this is the first death due to the disease in many years in Napa County which has raised a concern.
