Potential Legionella exposure reported at Hot Springs bathhouse

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Test results from an untreated water source at a Hot Springs bath and spa showed the presence of Legionella bacteria, the Arkansas Department of Health reported Friday.

The water sample was taken from the Quapaw Baths & Spa of Hot Springs after three visitors from out of state contracted Legionnaires disease.

"That's how we became aware of the Quapaw facility because three different people had identified that facility as one place that they had been over several places. We still can't be sure that's where they got their exposure," said Dr. Jennifer Dillaha with the Arkansas Department of Health.

The Department of Health is conducting further testing to determine more about this possible exposure.

Health officials say the bathhouse has shut down the showers and is disinfecting the tubs that use the untreated water source. Quapaw Baths & Spa is still open for business. Dillaha added that, "Steps have been taken to disinfect those baths so that the organism could not be transmitted if it were present."

In August, Quapaw Bath and Spa was closed down due to preliminary bacterial findings of Legionella. A patient who had visited the bath and spa in July was reportedly diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease.

The Arkansas Department of Health later reported that the bath and spa had tested negative for the bacteria.

"The results we had were preliminary and the final result showed that the organism was not present. In this case, the result is final," said Dillaha.

Health officials say if you have visited the location and developed any symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease within the last 30 days to see a doctor.

Legionella bacteria can cause a serious type of pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease, according to the Arkansas Department of Health.

According to a statement from Quapaw Bath & Spa, one shower area of their facility is temporarily closed, but their pools, baths, steam caves, spa, and other amenities are open.

The Quapaw Bath & Spa says that they are cooperating with the National Park Service and the Arkansas Department of Health about the potential issue. They believe there needs to be examination and determination of the source.

The spa also said that they have received a 100 percent clean bill of health over the last 12 years and they will continue to take steps to provide a healthy experience for Quapaw visitors.

Arkansas Department of Health says the thermal water fountains along bathhouse row are safe to use. That water is too hot to carry the bacteria.