The community pool and spa at Foothill Ranch was closed Friday, May 12 after two cases of Legionnaires’ disease were reported in the last two months, community officials said.
The illness, also known as legionellosis, is an infection with symptoms of serious pneumonia and can be deadly if not treated.
Orange County health officials were testing the waters to see if there was any more of the bacteria in the water. The pool and spa, at 27021 Burbank, are expected to remain closed until test results show there is no longer a threat.
The Orange County Health Care Agency said in a Friday letter that people get legionellosis from breathing in mist or vapor that has been contaminated by the Legionella bacteria.
“Symptoms of legionellosis develop 2-10 days after exposure, and include high fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, and headaches. Infected persons often have pneumonia and may need to be hospitalized,” the statement said.
Though those with the disease are not infectious, they need to take antibiotics. The most at risk of getting sick from Legionella infection are smokers, those with chronic lung disease or weak immune systems and people over 65.
Health agency officials advised residents that if they suspect they’ve been infected to call their doctors and tell them about the possible exposure.
“(Foothill Ranch Maintenance Corporation) hopes to re-open the pool and spa facility in time for the Memorial Day weekend,” a Friday letter to residents from the corporation said. Test results of the water could take up to two weeks.
The management said that dozens if not hundreds of people use those facilities and there have been no additional confirmed reports of Legionnaires’ disease. They hope that it was a “coincidence” those two people were infected.
“If the test results come back positive, the pool and spa will have to be re-tested until negative test results are achieved,” the letter said.
For more information about the disease, contact the Orange County Health Care Agency at 714-834-8180. Residents can also call the community manager at 949-448-6185 for information on the closure.