Dozens report getting sick after attending a party at the Playboy Mansion in Holmby Hills (LOS ANGELES TIMES / February 12, 2011) |
HOLMBY HILLS (KTLA) -- The Los Angeles County Health Department is investigating the Playboy Mansion after officials identified Legionella bacteria in a whirlpool spa, where hundreds of people fell ill after attending or working at a party last month.
The Legionella bacteria causes Legionnaires' disease, which produces coughing, chills and fever.
Health officials say they have suspected Legionnaires' disease, or Pontiac fever, in the outbreak, but they have not yet ruled out other bacteria or viruses.
In a statement, Dr. Jonathan Fielding, director of the county Department of Public Health, cautioned that Legionella bacteria are commonly found in moist environments.
About 200 people became sick after the DOMAINFest Global Conference on Feb. 1-3.
The 3-day conference took place at the Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica.
On the second night, there was a party at the Sky Bar on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, and on the third night, the finale party took place at the iconic Playboy Mansion.
Within 48 hours after leaving the mansion, scores of attendees reported coming down with symptoms including fever, respiratory problems and violent headaches.
On Tuesday, DOMAINFest said in a statement that it wants people who attended the Playboy Mansion event to fill out a confidential survey to help in the health department investigation.
Pontiac fever is a mild from of legionellosis - the severe form is called Legionnaires disease.
The condition is caused by a bacteria, usually only last for 2 to 5 days and treatment is generally unnecessary. Symptoms include fever, headache and muscle ache.
Infection usually occurs by breathing in mist from a water source contaminated with the bacteria such as hot tubs, air conditioning systems and showers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The bacteria are not spread from person to person, according to the CDC, but are instead inhaled in water vapor.
Some of those who became ill said they suspected a fog machine that was used at the party.
"There is no truth in the rumor that anyone caught anything at the Playboy Mansion, nor is there any evidence," a rep for Playboy told the New York Post said. "None of the Playboy staff became ill, the deejay was in the middle of the fog and she didn't get ill. We have been contacted by the Health Department and the Playboy Mansion is cooperating fully with the investigation."
DOMAINfest organizers say an estimated 700 people from 30 countries attended the 3-day conference.
The Legionella bacteria causes Legionnaires' disease, which produces coughing, chills and fever.
Health officials say they have suspected Legionnaires' disease, or Pontiac fever, in the outbreak, but they have not yet ruled out other bacteria or viruses.
In a statement, Dr. Jonathan Fielding, director of the county Department of Public Health, cautioned that Legionella bacteria are commonly found in moist environments.
About 200 people became sick after the DOMAINFest Global Conference on Feb. 1-3.
The 3-day conference took place at the Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica.
On the second night, there was a party at the Sky Bar on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, and on the third night, the finale party took place at the iconic Playboy Mansion.
Within 48 hours after leaving the mansion, scores of attendees reported coming down with symptoms including fever, respiratory problems and violent headaches.
On Tuesday, DOMAINFest said in a statement that it wants people who attended the Playboy Mansion event to fill out a confidential survey to help in the health department investigation.
Pontiac fever is a mild from of legionellosis - the severe form is called Legionnaires disease.
The condition is caused by a bacteria, usually only last for 2 to 5 days and treatment is generally unnecessary. Symptoms include fever, headache and muscle ache.
Infection usually occurs by breathing in mist from a water source contaminated with the bacteria such as hot tubs, air conditioning systems and showers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The bacteria are not spread from person to person, according to the CDC, but are instead inhaled in water vapor.
Some of those who became ill said they suspected a fog machine that was used at the party.
"There is no truth in the rumor that anyone caught anything at the Playboy Mansion, nor is there any evidence," a rep for Playboy told the New York Post said. "None of the Playboy staff became ill, the deejay was in the middle of the fog and she didn't get ill. We have been contacted by the Health Department and the Playboy Mansion is cooperating fully with the investigation."
DOMAINfest organizers say an estimated 700 people from 30 countries attended the 3-day conference.
