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Contact: Brent Everitt, 850-393-7952
Hot Springs, Ark. – Hot Springs National Park has received finalized negative results of Legionella bacteria testing at the Quapaw Baths and Spa. Preliminary test results, which were reported in an earlier press release, suggested Legionella growth, resulting in a recommendation to close water services at the spa while the park and public health officials awaited confirmatory testing. With these finalized negative results, public health officials and the park have cleared the Quapaw to resume all services.
Based on the preliminary results last week, the Quapaw immediately began remediation and disinfection efforts while waiting for finalized test results. Throughout this process, the Quapaw Baths & Spa has fully cooperated with the National Park Service Public Health Officials.
All laboratory testing was performed at a private lab, which is part of the CDC’s Environmental Legionella Isolation Techniques Evaluation (ELITE) Program.
The park continues to work closely with the National Park Service Office of Public Health (OPH), the Arkansas Health Department, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to protect the health of those who visit the park.
About Hot Springs National Park: Established as a federal reservation in 1832 to protect the unique geothermal spring water and associated lands for public health, wellness, and enjoyment. In 1921, the area became a national park with the same mission; preservation of the 47 hot springs that come out of the Hot Springs Mountain and the historic resources built for visitor enjoyment of the hot springs. Visit us at www.nps.gov/HotSprings, on Facebook www.Facebook.com/HotSpringsNPS, and Instagram www.Instagram.com/HotSpringsNPS.
About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice and Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice.
~NPS~
Last updated: August 9, 2019