Playboy Mansion Outbreak Caused by Legionnaires' Disease

The bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease is the culprit behind what made hundreds of people sick at the Playboy Mansion in Holmby Hills last month, county public health officials said Tuesday.

Legionnaires' disease is spread by the Legionella bacteria. Symptoms include cough, malaise, chills and fever, according to the Los Angeles Times, where news of the conclusion was first reported. The bacteria came from a water source at the mansion, according to the Times.

People while attending a fundraiser, held Feb. 3 at the mansion, part of the annual DomainFest Global conference, which was held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica. At least 200 people were sickened, health officials said last month.

Health officials have not ruled out other bacteria or viruses, however.

Anyone who attended the fundraiser is urged to fill out a survey to help health officials in the investigation, DomainFest organizers said Tuesday.

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