What Caused The Disneyland Legionnaries’ Disease Outbreak?
If you’re searching for “Disneyland Legionnaries’ Disease” you’re likely trying to understand what shut down Disneyland’s Cooling Towers in November of 2017. Naturally everyone wanting to visit the park will want to understand what Legionnaries’ Disease is, and how it happened. The source of the outbreak that affected 9 people finds its source in 2 of the park’s cooling towers.
What Is Legionnaries’ Disease?
Legionallosis is caused by Legionella bacteria which leads to a respiratory disease. Legionnnaries’ Diease is a serious form of pneumonia which can be potentially life threatening. The disease is not contagious, so it cannot be transmitted from person to person. It develops in the natural environment typically around water and doesn’t typically make anyone sick.
In areas where there are manmade water systems such as cooling towers it can be carried via the moisture exhausted from cooling towers. This exhaust is simply steam and the water droplets can be inhaled. For this reason cooling tower maintenance and cooling tower water treatments are so important. Allowing biological growth in the cooling tower can lead to Legionella and potentially make people sick.
Symptoms Of Legionnaries’ Disease
If you or someone you know has visited Disneyland lately you might be concerned that they have been exposed. While many people can be exposed to the disease and have no reaction there are people who will. Those with compromised immune systems, are elderly, or have chronic respiratory problems are especially at risk. Watch for the following symptoms of Legionnaries’ Disease.
High Fever – Chills – Cough
Symptoms develop within between 2 to 10 days after being exposed to the bacteria, so watch carefully during this period of time. Anyone over the age of 50 should immediately seek the attention of their doctor if they show signs of Legionarries’ Disease after a visit to the park.
Click the links below for more information:
[one-half-first]Center For Disease Control on Legionella
Disneyland’s Statement On Legionella[/one-half-first]
[one-half]Read Newsweek’s Report On The Incident
Live Science On Cooling Towers & Legionnaries’[/one-half]
Cooling Tower Cleaning & Maintenance
Do you have a commercial location that uses cooling tower? They are part of the HVAC systems, industrial processes, and hospital operation in the Phoenix Valley and need to be kept clean to avoid bacterial infections. Keeping your cooling tower in good condition is the job of cooling tower maintenance companies, and All Kote is Phoenix’ go to source for the best service. If you’re not if your cooling tower is at risk give us a call to make sure your CDC and OSHA compliant for your cooling towers.
Reach our dedicated team of cooling tower maintenance technicians at 480-966-4446