A hospital in Santa Clara, Calif., has confirmed at least 18 cases related to Legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, or a milder illness called Pontiac fever.
After detecting the bacteria during routine internal monitoring, Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center has reported 18 cases to Santa Clara public health officials, according to several news outlets. The hospital is operating normally as it implements water treatment measures, as Legionella naturally occurs in water.
Most of the affected individuals are recovering at home, according to a Kaiser Permanente spokesperson.
Legionnaires’ disease has a 10% fatality rate, but that figure rises to 25% for healthcare-associated infections, according to CDC data. Legionella bacteria can also cause a milder infection called Pontiac fever in which hospitalization is uncommon.
The types of infection detected at Santa Clara Medical Center are unknown, as well as whether the cases were detected among patients, visitors or staff.
Hospital leaders told CBS News they are working with public health authorities to identify the source of contamination.
The medical center is part of Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente, which operates 40 hospitals and more than 600 medical offices.
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