ILLNESS FROM THE PLAYBOY MANSION AND IT'S NOT AN STD

Los Angeles County health officials said that 170 people became sick after attending or working at a fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion, but do not believe that the outbreak has spread beyond those associated with the event, reports the Los Angeles Times.



According to a statement Monday by the county Department of Public Health the possible outbreak of legionellosis or Pontiac fever includes symptoms consisting of fever, chills, general discomfort and some cough.

The illness is caused by a bacterium that grows in warm water, possibly contracted from the Playboy Mansion's hot tubs or fog machines.

The Los Angeles County's Department of Public Health said it learned Friday that people who attended the DOMAINfest Global conference in Santa Monica had come down with a suspected respiratory infection.

The agency contacted everyone associated with the conference, and so far about 170 people have reported fever, chills, coughs or other signs of illness.

The type of illness and source of exposure remained under investigation.

The conference ran from Feb. 1-3 and drew some 700 people from 30 countries to lectures and attend workshops in Santa Monica.

Via CBS NEWS