Hot Springs National Park/NPS.

People have long believed that the waters of Hot Springs National Park contained medicinal and healing properties. Today, new tests reveal these waters also hold a dangerous strain of bacteria.

Hot Springs National Park has received preliminary positive results of Legionella bacteria at the Quapaw Bath & Spa. Extensive environmental water tests were conducted throughout the spa, and the bacteria was found in three interior areas and a fountain outside. Based on the preliminary results of these tests, water-related services in the spa and fountain have been closed to immediately begin disinfection efforts as staff wait for additional test results.

Legionella can cause a severe form of pneumonia (called Legionnaires’ disease) when people breathe in aerosolized water droplets containing the bacteria. Most exposed to Legionella will not get sick; however, it can cause grave illness. Luckily, Legionnaires’ disease can be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease usually begin 2-14 days after exposure and can include cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches, confusion, nausea, diarrhea, and fever. People 50 years or older, smokers, and those with chronic lung disease, weakened immune systems, or underlying illnesses such as diabetes, kidney failure, or liver failure are at an increased risk of getting sick.

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, Public Health officials, and the staff at the Quapaw are working to ensure that Legionella is eliminated.

Quapaw Bath & Spa has expressed its full commitment to cooperating with the National Park Service Public Health Officials, and the park is working in close collaboration with the National Park Service Office of Public Health, the Arkansas Health Department, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to protect the health of those who visit the park.

If you develop any symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease or have experienced any within the last two weeks, you should seek medical attention. Please let your doctor know so that he/she can test you for Legionnaires’ disease, and ask your doctor to conduct both a urine test and a respiratory culture. If you test positive, please inform park leadership as soon as possible. Learn more about Legionnaires’ disease at https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/index.html.