Mystery Respiratory Illness Reported after Event at the Playboy Mansion

Feb. 22, 2011 - PRLog -- Last week the Associated Press reported the number of individuals sickened, after attending a conference in Santa Monica that included an event at the famous Playboy Mansion, has grown.  The latest reports raise the number of sick people from 170 to approximately 200.

The affected people were attending an internet conference that included a party at the mansion in early February.  Health officials are looking into the cause of the mystery respiratory illness that has impacted so many.  

Some reports have suggested Pontiac Fever, a disease caused by airborne bacteria could be the cause and some have questioned if the source was from a fog machine used at the party.  No staff members working the event have been sickened according to a Playboy representative so the source remains a mystery.

Pontiac Fever and Legionnaires’ disease are caused by Legionella pneumophila bacteria.  The transmission of Legionella occurs via aerosols, when mists containing viable bacteria are inhaled.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, “Each year, between 8,000 and 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires' disease in the U.S. However, many infections are not diagnosed or reported, so this number may be higher.”  

Clark Seif Clark, a leading provider of indoor air quality (IAQ) and environmental testing services, are experts at testing for the Legionella bacteria and other causes of respiratory illnesses.  “Legionella bacteria can survive, and even thrive, in natural and manmade water systems,” reported Derrick A. Denis, V.P. Indoor Environmental Quality at CSC.  “Proactive maintenance of site water systems and periodic testing for the bacteria can help prevent outbreaks of the diseases associated with the organism.”

To learn more about Legionella or how CSC can help with this and other environmental issues please visit http://www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118.

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About Clark Seif Clark (CSC)
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both the public and private sectors address environmental issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.