It’s official, the Playboy mansion’s hot tub made scores of people sick, according to a recent report from Los Angeles County public health officials.
Two months ago, more than 700 attendees of the four-day DOMAINfest Global Conference were understandably thrilled about the fundraiser after-party held at the Playboy Mansion in Holmby Hills, Calif.
After an investigation, officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed that about 200 of the domain name techies received an awful parting gift — Legionnaires’ disease.
Legionnaires’ is a disease spread by Legionella bacteria that causes respiratory illness — general malaise, chills and fever. Legionella bacteria are commonly found in warm, damp environments. Legionnaires’ is a type of pneumonia, and typically, symptoms disappear within two to five days, according to the CDC. The disease responds to antibiotics — however, 5 percent to 30 percent of cases prove fatal (septic shock, liver failure).
In addition to Legionnaires’ disease, you can also contract hot tub rash, diarrhea and MRSA, from water play, the pool or hot tub area; these ailments are considered recreational water infections.
The Centers for Disease Control suggest a few dos and don’ts that you should adhere to the next time you engage in water play.
Hot Tub Safety Tips
DO:
Before dipping your toe into the tub, inquire about the disinfection schedule. If the response is, “What?” or “I don’t know,” run — don’t walk — away from that hot tub!
Bathe before you enter the hot tub and bathe with soapy water after you’ve been in the hot tub to avoid contracting hot tub rash.
Dermatitis, aka “hot tub rash,” is a skin infection that is contracted from contaminated water. Symptoms include blisters, (around hair follicles), itchy, bumpy skin, red rash, worse outbreak in areas covered by the swim suit. The good news is that most rashes clear up within days without treatment, but ewww.
Do Not
Allow the water to get into your mouth.
Soak in the tub if you’re ill.
Consume alcohol while soaking in the hot tub.
Crowd the hot tub.
Last but not least, do not use someone else’s towel, a dirty towel can lead to ringworm or head lice.
With just a few precautions, you can enjoy the hot tub now without suffering the health issues later.
