Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Legionella,Legionnaire's disease,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on May 7, 2026
At least 18 cases of Legionnaires’ disease at Kaiser Permanente have been reported to Santa Clara County Public Health. An investigation is underway.
Here’s what we know about the situation so far!
An investigation into an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at Kaiser Permanente is underway. So far, 18 cases have been diagnosed. Whether those sickened with the deadly bacteria were patients, staff, or visitors has not been confirmed. Nor has their status.
According to a facility statement, “Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara recently confirmed several cases of Legionella infection.” However, “the source of the contamination is unclear at this time.” Though they stated that “the bacteria was identified through our robust routine internal monitoring processes,” which they assure are “in compliance with all regulatory standards.”
In a statement, officials at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara explain that they are working with local and state health authorities on this situation.
Meanwhile, preventative measures have been employed.
“While we work to determine the source, out of an abundance of caution we have implemented additional water treatment measures and have taken preventative measures to ensure the safety of all patients, employees, and visitors. As a result of mitigation efforts, our hospital and medical office building are operating normally and continue to care safely for patients.”
This usually means limiting showers, adding filters to sinks, and increased sanitation measures in their water systems. However, the specific mitigation efforts used against Legionnaires’ disease at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara have not been disclosed.
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by inhaling microscopic Legionella bacteria. This happens when these microbes become suspended in aerosolized water droplets and are inhaled.
While this bacterium is naturally occurring in freshwater environments (lakes, streams, etc.), they can also grow in human-made water systems.
This is where it becomes a problem. Especially in high-risk areas like hospitals.
Certain human-made water systems are better suited for growing and spreading harmful Legionella bacteria than others. Those that create a mist or hold stagnant water rank higher on the list.
Most cases of Legionnaires’ disease involve hot tubs and cooling towers.
One of the reasons Legionnaires’ disease at Kaiser Permanente is so serious is that it seems the outbreak is hospital-acquired. The concern has nothing to do with a potential spread from patient to patient.
Fortunately, Legionnaires’ disease is NOT contagious. Only in extremely rare circumstances has person-to-person transmission been reported.
Nearly all cases of Legionnaires’ disease link back to contaminated water systems.
No. The concern is that hospital patients are often have other risk factors. While a typical mortality rate for Legionnaire’s disease is 1 in 10. In a health care setting like this, 1 in 4 individuals with Legionnaires’ disease will die from complications of their illness.
Most healthy individuals exposed to Legionella bacteria do not become sick. Certain groups, like many being treated at Kaiser Permanente, are more susceptible to this illness. These individuals are also more likely to experience more serious symptoms.
Those at higher risk include:
Most people with Legionnaires’ disease are never diagnosed with this illness. This is because symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are very similar to other types of pneumonia illnesses. In fact, Legionnaires’ disease is often indistinguishable from regular pneumonia, even on a chest x-ray.
Specialized tests are required for an accurate diagnosis.
However, in situations like this, and when an outbreak is suspected, health care professionals are prompted to test for Legionella infection right away.
Common symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include:
These symptoms usually begin around 2 to 14 days after exposure. However, in some cases, illness may take longer to present.
Other symptoms may include diarrhea, nausea, and/or confusion.
If you have been exposed to Legionnaires’ disease at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara, you should monitor yourself for symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease.
Most people become sick around two weeks after exposure. But every person’s body is different. A good bet is to monitor your symptoms for at least a month if you have visited or stayed at the hospital.
If you begin to experience symptoms, prompt action is needed.
Not everyone experiences serious illness, but the risk for serious illness is high.
If you are experiencing Legionnaires’ disease symptoms, a diagnostic test will confirm your illness. This test is necessary for appropriate treatment and to better understand your illness.
Legionnaires’ disease can be serious. Even life-threatening. If you have become sick with Legionnaires’ disease at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara, your illness was completely preventable. An experienced Legionnaires’ disease Lawyer can help answer questions you may have about how to proceed.
If you or a family member has visited or stayed at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara and has been impacted by Legionnaires’ disease, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Legionnaires’ disease lawyer that can help.
Legionnaires’ disease is an easily preventable illness. Basic disinfection protocols prevent the buildup and spread of harmful Legionella bacteria. Lapses in these procedures leave residents, visitors, and staff vulnerable to breathing in contaminated water droplets.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully represented many families with cases just like yours. Their Legionnaires’ disease lawyer has won millions of dollars in Legionnaires’ disease cases throughout the country.
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free, no-obligation consultation. A member of our compassionate team will go over the details of your situation to determine if you have a legal case.
Don’t wait. Call today!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)