Two fatalities due to Legionnaires’ disease have been linked to Zen Day Spa in Richmond, located in the Bay Area. Health officials from Contra Costa County confirmed that water samples from the spa’s hot tub contained high levels of legionella bacteria, pointing to the facility as the likely source of the outbreak.
The investigation into Zen Day Spa began on August 4, shortly after the two victims passed away in hospitals, having visited the spa before falling ill. The spa, found at 12230 San Pablo Avenue, was operating without a necessary health permit and had an illegal hot tub.
Initial lab results showed high concentrations of legionella bacteria in the collected water and swab samples. In total, health officials contacted over 30 recent spa customers as part of their investigation, and identified four more customers who were suspected to have contracted Legionnaires’ disease.
Legionella bacteria naturally exist in fresh water but can become a health hazard in hot tubs and pools where it can proliferate if the water isn’t properly maintained. Infection occurs when people inhale mist containing the bacteria, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, muscle aches, and fever. Serious cases can result in severe pneumonia.
The spa voluntarily closed on August 5 and has since been issued an abatement order by the county health department, declaring the business a “public nuisance”. The spa has been ordered to remove its hot tub and cannot reopen until it passes a re-inspection.
Health officials do not anticipate new cases due to the spa’s closure. They encourage the public to use CCH’s swimming pool and spa inspection database to check recent inspection results of public pools and hot tubs in Contra Costa County.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of public health vigilance, stringent maintenance standards, and the need for businesses to comply with health and safety regulations.