Health officials in Contra Costa County are seeking individuals who visited the Zen Day Spa in Richmond within the last fortnight. The spa is linked to three recent cases of Legionnaire’s disease, two of which resulted in fatalities last week.
John Gioia, Chairperson of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, emphasized the importance of individuals who visited the spa reporting their contact. He is also urging Contra Costa Health to investigate and identify unlicensed spas throughout the county, as Zen Day Spa reportedly operated without the obligatory county environmental health permit.
The spa was closed last Friday following the two deaths. Health officials reported that both individuals had visited the spa, located at 12230 San Pablo Ave, shortly before falling ill. A third individual, who utilized the spa’s jacuzzi in June, has since recovered from the disease.
Investigations are also focusing on the building’s ventilation system to determine if the bacteria could have spread to two adjacent businesses. Lab test results confirming the spa as the source of transmission are still pending.
Legionnaire’s disease is caused by bacteria found in natural freshwater sources such as lakes and streams. It can cause severe pneumonia when individuals inhale contaminated water droplets, such as mist from a hot tub. The disease is treatable with antibiotics and does not typically spread from person to person.
Those at higher risk of contracting Legionnaire’s disease include seniors, smokers, chronic lung disease patients, and immunocompromised individuals. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fever, chills, and cough.
Officials are urging anyone who visited Zen Day Spa over the past two weeks to contact the Contra Costa Health’s Communicable Disease Division at (925) 313-6740.