Community officials temporarily closed the Foothill Ranch community pool and spa in Lake Forest, CA, on May 12 after two cases of Legionnaires’ disease were reported during the past two months, the Orange County Register reported.
Orange County health officials are testing the pool and spa waters for Legionella bacteria. A person catches Legionnaires’ disease – a serious type of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria – by inhaling contaminated microscopic water droplets in the form of mist or vapor. The Legionella bacteria are found primarily in human-made, warm-water environments.
The Foothill Ranch Maintenance Corporation sent a letter to area residents stating that they hoped to reopen the facility in time for the Memorial Day weekend. Test results can take up to two weeks, and the facility will not reopen until negative results are returned.