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Los Angeles - Bacteria that cause Legionnaires' disease were found at the Playboy Mansion during an investigation into an illness that affected about 200 people who attended an event there last month, a health official said on Tuesday.
Other infection sources have not been ruled out as the cause of the illness because the bacteria Legionella is common in moist places, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health director Dr Jonathan E Fielding said.
"We are still considering several possible causes of illness," Fielding said in a prepared statement.
County health officials opened an investigation after attendees of an Internet conference reported symptoms mostly consisting of fever, chills, malaise and coughing.
Playboy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Investigating the outbreak
The Domainfest Global Conference took place in February with events at several hotels and a fundraiser at the Holmby Hills estate where Playboy founder Hugh Hefner resides.
Health officials have not ordered occupants to leave the mansion.
About 700 people from 30 countries attended lectures and workshops at the conference. The county is investigating the outbreak with state and federal health officials to track illness outside Los Angeles.
One more major event is planned at the sprawling 29-room mansion in coming months. Hefner, 84, intends to marry fiancée Crystal Harris, 24, at the mansion this summer.
Other infection sources have not been ruled out as the cause of the illness because the bacteria Legionella is common in moist places, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health director Dr Jonathan E Fielding said.
"We are still considering several possible causes of illness," Fielding said in a prepared statement.
County health officials opened an investigation after attendees of an Internet conference reported symptoms mostly consisting of fever, chills, malaise and coughing.
Playboy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Investigating the outbreak
The Domainfest Global Conference took place in February with events at several hotels and a fundraiser at the Holmby Hills estate where Playboy founder Hugh Hefner resides.
Health officials have not ordered occupants to leave the mansion.
About 700 people from 30 countries attended lectures and workshops at the conference. The county is investigating the outbreak with state and federal health officials to track illness outside Los Angeles.
One more major event is planned at the sprawling 29-room mansion in coming months. Hefner, 84, intends to marry fiancée Crystal Harris, 24, at the mansion this summer.
