Contra Costa County health officials have identified a Richmond day spa’s hot tub as the probable source of two deaths linked to Legionnaires’ disease, citing high levels of legionella bacteria in water samples collected from the facility.
The investigation by Contra Costa Health began promptly on August 4, following the deaths of two patients within 24 hours after visiting Zen Day Spa. Both individuals had contracted Legionnaires’ disease subsequent to their visits.
Upon inspection, county health officials found that Zen Day Spa, situated at 12230 San Pablo Avenue, was operating without a health permit and had an unauthorized hot tub intended for private use, not commercial purposes.
“CCH collected water and swab samples and, while still awaiting final reports from the lab, initial results show high concentrations of legionella bacteria,” health officials announced on Monday.
As part of the investigation, CCH contacted over 30 recent customers of Zen Day Spa and interviewed several customers who reported symptoms consistent with Legionnaires’ disease.
In addition to the fatalities, CCH identified four additional customers suspected of having contracted Legionnaires’ disease.
While legionella bacteria naturally exist in freshwater environments, concerns arise in hot tubs and pools where the bacteria can proliferate without proper maintenance.
Infections occur through inhalation of mist containing the bacteria, leading to symptoms such as breathlessness, muscle pain, and fever. In severe cases, the disease can result in pneumonia.
Zen Day Spa voluntarily ceased operations on August 5. On Monday, the county health department issued an abatement order declaring the spa a “public nuisance” and mandating the removal of its hot tub.
The spa must undergo re-inspection by CCH before it can reopen.
Dr. Meera Sreenivasan, deputy health officer, noted that since the spa’s closure, health officials do not anticipate further cases, emphasizing that Legionnaires’ disease does not spread from person to person.
The public can access Contra Costa Health’s swimming pool and spa inspection database to view recent inspection outcomes for public pools and hot tubs in the county.
