Quapaw suspends some services after Legionnaires’ bacteria found

The National Park Service said Saturday it has suspended water-related services at Quapaw Baths & Spa after preliminary test results identified Legionella bacteria, which can cause the serious type of pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease.

“The park is aware of three cases of Legionnaires’ disease that have occurred over approximately the last year in visitors to the spa. However, it is unknown if the spa was the source of the bacteria that caused the people to become sick,” the National Park Service said in a news release. The Arkansas Department of Health issued a similarly worded release on Saturday.

The bath house is operated by a private company, Quapaw Baths LLC, under a lease with the federal government.

Hot Springs National Park Superintendent Laura Miller said Saturday that Quapaw Baths LLC is cooperating with the NPS and the ADH. “All I can add at this point is that the owners of the Quapaw have their customer safety as their top priority, too, and we appreciate that they are cooperating fully with us and the Arkansas Department of Health to make sure we do everything we can to keep our visitors safe,” Miller said.

“Extensive environmental water

tests were conducted throughout the spa, (and) the bacteria were found in two interior areas and a fountain outside. Based on the preliminary results of these tests, the water-related services in the spa and fountain have been closed immediately to begin disinfection efforts as we wait for additional test results,” the ADH said in its news release. The Park Service release said the bacteria was discovered in three interior areas and a fountain outside.

The ADH release also said it is unknown if the spa was the source of the bacteria that caused the people to become sick.

“The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is working closely with Hot Springs National Park to ensure that the presence of the bacteria within these areas is fully and immediately addressed,” the ADH release said.

“The National Park Service, Public Health officials, and the staff at the Quapaw are immediately working to ensure that the presence of the bacteria is fully addressed,” the Park Service release said.

“Quapaw Bath & Spa has expressed its full commitment to cooperating with the National Park Service Public Health Officials. The park is working in close collaboration with the National Park Service Office of Public Health (OPH), the Arkansas Health Department, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to protect the health of those who visit the park. The park will provide updates as soon as they are available,” it said.

ADH said people can catch the Legionella bacteria that cause Legionnaires’ disease when they breathe in aerosolized droplets of water that contain the bacteria. Most people exposed to Legionella will not get sick but, in some people, it can cause severe illness. Legionnaires’ disease can be treated with antibiotics.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease usually begin two to 14 days after exposure and can include cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches, and fever. Additional symptoms may be present, such as headache, confusion, nausea, or diarrhea. People who are at increased risk of getting sick include people 50 years of age or older, smokers, and those with chronic lung disease, weakened immune systems, or underlying illnesses such as diabetes, kidney failure, or liver failure, the ADH said.

Anyone who has visited the Quapaw and developed any symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease or has experienced these symptoms within the last two weeks should seek medical attention, the ADH said.

Spa visitors should let their doctor know so that they can test for Legionnaires’ disease. “Ask your doctor to test you with both a urine test and a respiratory culture. If you are diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, please report it to the Arkansas Department of Health as soon as possible,” the release said.

Call the ADH at 501-537-8969 for more information.