Disneyland Responds To Legionnaire's Infections

ANAHEIM, CA — With fears of Legionnaire's Disease outbreak in Orange County, OC Health Care Agency officials Thursday were investigating other sources of Legionnaire's Disease in the county. This was outside of an outbreak linked to nearly a dozen from visitors to Disneyland in September. Three new cases, bringing the total to 15, were reported Wednesday.

Legionnaire's Disease is a non-contagious, water droplet airborne bacteria, according to OC Health Care Agency spokesperson Julie MacDonald. Legionella bacteria is commonly found everywhere, but it doesn't usually pose a threat, MacDonald said.

In the investigation, of the 15 who have contracted the Legionella infection, 11 of those infected had visited Disneyland in September, where the principal source is believed to be two cooling towers, which have since tested negative for the bacteria.

In response to the outbreak, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel responded.

Disneyland Resort learned of the increased Legionnaire's disease cases in Anaheim on Oct. 27, according to Hymel.

"We conducted a review and learned that two cooling towers had elevated levels of Legionella bacteria," Hymel said. "These towers were treated with chemicals that destroy the bacteria and are currently shut down. We have proactively shared this information with (the OC Health Care Agency) and given our actions, they have indicated there is no longer any known risk associated with our facilities."

Two people, who had other health-related issues, died after getting infected, but they had not visited Disneyland, said Julie MacDonald of the OC Health Care Agency.

"That bacteria exists everywhere in many, many places, but it is only problematic when it erupts in large quantities," MacDonald said. A public water fountain, for instance, could be a source of the bacteria.

The cases of Legionella infection were first reported Sept. 27 and continued through Wednesday.

Legionnaire's Disease has been on the uptick nationally in recent years, but this outbreak has been limited to Anaheim so far, MacDonald said.

The infections likely began in late August or early September and continued through late last month, officials said. It can take two to 10 days before symptoms surface.

The ages of those affected range from 52 to 94. Four of the 15 infected are Orange County residents who did not visit the theme park but lived in or were in Anaheim at some point.

Thirteen of the infected were hospitalized. None of the infected are related in any way.

The county issued an order on Nov. 8 shutting down the two cooling towers at Disneyland. Tests showed no Legionella bacteria in the towers on Nov. 2 and Nov. 6.

The towers were sanitized on Nov. 4.

Disneyland will have to go through many more procedures, including continued sanitizing of the towers, before reopening them, officials said. A plan for ongoing maintenance of them going forward must also be submitted and approved.

"Enhanced monitoring" of the towers will continue for the next six months.

According to Disneyland resort, there is no cause for ongoing concern. "We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all who visit or work at our parks and resorts," Hymel said.

If you have further questions about Legionnaires’ disease, visit https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/index.html.

Renee Schiavone, Photo