Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Local Technology Conference Linked To Disease Outbreak
Los Angeles County health officials are apparently tracking an outbreak of legionellosis (Pontiac Fever), a respiratory disease which can spread in hot tubs or parts of air-conditioning systems, linked to the DOMAINfest Global Conference held in Santa Monica earlier this month. According to reports, the outbreak appears to be linked to a fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion held on February 3rd which was part of the conference, and so far has affected at least 170 people who attended the conference. The outbreak is believed to be linked to the Playboy Mansion in Holmby Hills, and potentially to a fog machine at the party. DOMAINfest Global is an annual domain name convention held by Los Angeles-based Oversee.net, and was held at the Fairmont Miramar. Legionellosis is caused by an airborne bacteria, and includes both a mild form called Pontiac Fever and one associated with pneumonia, Legionnaires' disease. The Thursday fundraiser at the Playboy mansion was for Jenny McCarthy's Generation Rescue Autism Foundation and was hosted by Playboy Playmates Jennifer Walcott and Suzanne Stokes.