LA fires evacuation shelter hit with highly contagious health outbreak as 28 people stricken with illness

As the Los Angeles fires continue to cause devastation across Southern California, an evacuation shelter has been hit with a norovirus outbreak.

The Pasadena Public Health Department confirmed three cases of norovirus among 28 individuals who experienced ‘acute gastrointestinal illness’ at the Pasadena Evacuation Shelter on Friday.

The department is working closely with the American Red Cross, which manages the shelter, to provide necessary guidance and support to ensure the safety of the residents.

Stephanie Fox, the media relations lead at the American Red Cross national headquarters, emphasized that the health and well-being of the residents under their care is of utmost importance.

Fox said that health-care workers are available for on-site care for anyone who feels sick. It was confirmed that a health care clinic was set up at the evacuation center, and AltaMed health services is also providing medical care there. 

‘The spread of illness in congregate living situations, including shelters, is unfortunately common given the close quarters and communal spaces,’ the Pasadena Public Health Department said. ‘This year, the community has experienced higher than normal levels of Norovirus.’ 

Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that norovirus outbreaks are worse than they’ve been in more than a decade. 

Nearly 500 outbreaks were reported between August and mid-December, according to CDC data, a third more than at the same time in the previous season.

The Pasadena Public Health Department confirmed on Friday that three people tested positive for norovirus among a group of 28 who had 'acute gastrointestinal illness at the Pasadena Evacuation Shelter

The Pasadena Public Health Department confirmed on Friday that three people tested positive for norovirus among a group of 28 who had ‘acute gastrointestinal illness at the Pasadena Evacuation Shelter

Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that norovirus outbreaks are worse than they've been in more than a decade. Nearly 500 outbreaks were reported between August and mid-December, according to CDC data, a third more than at the same time in the previous season

Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that norovirus outbreaks are worse than they’ve been in more than a decade. Nearly 500 outbreaks were reported between August and mid-December, according to CDC data, a third more than at the same time in the previous season

‘The [health department] team will continue to meet with onside health services partners and monitor the situation to prevent any further spread,’ the health department said

The Red Cross said that when a resident at the Pasadena shelter becomes sick, they’ll be isolated in an area away from where healthy residents are. 

‘Right now, our partners with the LA County Department of Health and Kaiser Permanente are providing around-the-clock medical care for affected residents in our shelters, and those exhibiting symptoms are resting in another part of the facility away from the general population. Because of these efforts, spread of the illness has been minimal,’ Fox told CNN. 

The shelter is also said to have taken safety precautions including making hand sanitizer readily available. Volunteers who handle food are also required to wear gloves and cleaning supplies are also available to staff. 

Pasadena Public Health said additional measures include handwashing stations, frequent restroom cleaning and the use of disinfectants. 

‘The [health department] team will continue to meet with onside health services partners and monitor the situation to prevent any further spread,’ the department said. 

The outbreak comes as experts have warned Los Angeles may be hit with dangerous landslides as rainfall returns to the scorched area. 

‘After compiling one year’s worth of soil and sediment erosion quantities occurring after large California wildfires between 1984 and 2021, scientists found that postfire erosion has accelerated over time, particularly in northern California, likely reflecting both the increase in wildfire in the state and the frequency of wet water years,’ the study reads.

Extreme blazes can also destabilize pre-existing, deep-seated landslides over long periods of time. 

Hawaii health officials added that those who are pregnant, elderly, young or medically compromised should not enter the contaminated areas

Hawaii health officials added that those who are pregnant, elderly, young or medically compromised should not enter the contaminated areas

'Palisades is going to be an area that people need to be on the watch out for landslides because the valley walls are steep. The houses that did survive the wildfire in the Palisades could also be in great danger of a severe rainstorm undercutting the foundation,' said Costas Synolakis

‘Palisades is going to be an area that people need to be on the watch out for landslides because the valley walls are steep. The houses that did survive the wildfire in the Palisades could also be in great danger of a severe rainstorm undercutting the foundation,’ said Costas Synolakis

According to Costas Synolakis, a professor of civil engineering at USC, the landslide danger will be highest in Pacific Palisades as there is no debris basin in the area.

‘Palisades is going to be an area that people need to be on the watch out for landslides because the valley walls are steep.

‘The houses that did survive the wildfire in the Palisades could also be in great danger of a severe rainstorm undercutting the foundation.

‘Homes near creeks and steep hills could also contribute a lot of debris to landslides,’ he told ABC.

The debris from the potential landslides could also cause serious environmental damage.

In the short run, flowing debris can choke rivers and streams and deprive fish of oxygen.

Sediment runoff can also fill reservoirs and take up water storage space – which in turn could damage flood control infrastructure and threaten nearby communities vulnerable to flash flooding.

In addition to the risk of landslide, Los Angeles residents also must take care when returning to any smoldering sites that the fires destroyed due to potential respiratory and long-term health issues.

Residents in fire-ravaged communities have been warned the risk of muslides are heightened and they should be on alert for any warning signs

Residents in fire-ravaged communities have been warned the risk of muslides are heightened and they should be on alert for any warning signs

Diana Felton, 47, chief of the Hawaii State Department of Health's Communicable Disease, warned curious California homeowners to wear proper protective gear if they were to return to the torched remains

Diana Felton, 47, chief of the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Communicable Disease, warned curious California homeowners to wear proper protective gear if they were to return to the torched remains

Some 6.5 million people remain under a critical fire threat, after the fires consumed an area nearly the size of Washington, DC, authorities said

Some 6.5 million people remain under a critical fire threat, after the fires consumed an area nearly the size of Washington, DC, authorities said

Los Angeles public health experts have advised the greater Los Angeles public to vacate neighborhoods that are covered in ‘cancer-causing chemicals.’

Such hazardous chemicals are a result of burned vehicles, solar panels, batteries, building materials and everyday household products.

Yet, even as officials have issued the stark warnings, residents have continued to return to the ruins, with some posting videos on social media showing them walking through the remains without any protective gear.

Dangerous contaminants can be easily kicked up when people try to salvage possessions, rummaging through the potentially toxic rubble.

Exposure usually doesn’t trigger immediate symptoms, but it may lead to long-term health issues such as cancer, high blood pressure, liver problems or learning disabilities.

Even just breathing in wildfire ash and smoke can trigger problems including coughing, erratic heartbeat and fatigue, the health official added.

Felton, chief of the Hawaii State Department of Health's Communicable Disease, claimed the drove of distressed homeowners returning to the rubble resembles what she saw after the state's 2023 Lahaina Fire

Felton, chief of the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Communicable Disease, claimed the drove of distressed homeowners returning to the rubble resembles what she saw after the state’s 2023 Lahaina Fire

Exposure usually doesn¿t trigger immediate symptoms, but it may lead to long-term health issues such as cancer, high blood pressure, liver problems or learning disabilities

Exposure usually doesn’t trigger immediate symptoms, but it may lead to long-term health issues such as cancer, high blood pressure, liver problems or learning disabilities

The dangerous contaminants can be easily kicked up when people try to salvage possessions, rummaging through the potentially toxic rubble

The dangerous contaminants can be easily kicked up when people try to salvage possessions, rummaging through the potentially toxic rubble

Homes damaged by the Palisades Fire are seen along the Malibu beach

Homes damaged by the Palisades Fire are seen along the Malibu beach

Six fires erupted across the greater LA area since last Tuesday, killing at least 27 people and burning more than 12,000 homes and other structures.

Firefighters are still battling the Palisades Fire, which is the most destructive blaze in LA history, as well as the Eaton and Hurst fires.

The three other blazes are now fully contained.

The National Weather Service added that the respite for fire-ravaged Los Angeles will be short, with high chances for renewed Red Flag warnings – when ideal fire conditions of high winds and low humidity dominate – starting again on Sunday.

Some 6.5 million people remain under a critical fire threat, after the fires consumed an area nearly the size of Washington, DC, authorities said.

You May Also Like
Chicago fire captain killed in line of duty after garage collapses following early morning inferno

A man faces murder charges for causing a fire that resulted in the death of a Chicago fire captain.

A man accused of setting a fire that killed Chicago Fire Department…
Reporter's Notebook: From John Paul II to Francis, covering two historic papacies

“Journalist’s Account: Reporting on Two Momentous Papacies, From John Paul II to Francis”

The deaths of two popes, Francis and John Paul II, occurred almost…
Here's why a flare-up between India and Pakistan over Kashmir matters

Why the Kashmir conflict is significant for India and Pakistan

India and Pakistan have escalated their tensions over the disputed Kashmir region…
Pope Francis bestows legacy of mercy, service, financial reform, environmental protection

Pope Francis leaves a lasting impact through compassion, dedication to helping others, improving financial systems, and promoting environmental care

Among his historical achievements as both the first pontiff from the Global…
The politics of Pope Francis' funeral seating plan revealed: How Donald Trump DID get in the front row after all - while Prince William and Keir Starmer are relegated to the cheap seats

Insights into Pope Francis’ funeral seating arrangement: Donald Trump secures front-row seat, Prince William and Keir Starmer placed in back rows

When Pope Francis passed away, the world’s top leaders and dignitaries placed…
Karen Read's ambulance ride admission becomes flashpoint at second trial

Second trial focuses on controversy surrounding Karen Read’s ambulance transport statement.

Was John O’Keefe alive to hear the “last words” from Karen Read…
Donald Trump is accused of breaking the dress code at Pope Francis' funeral

Donald Trump allegedly violated the attire rules at the funeral of Pope Francis

Donald Trump has been accused of beaking the dress code at the…
Child abduction survivor Elizabeth Smart warns of 'terrifying territory' for today's kids

Elizabeth Smart, a child abduction survivor, cautions about the dangerous situations kids might face today

Elizabeth Smart was 14 years old when she was kidnapped at knifepoint…
Boca Bash roars back as Florida's wildest floating party

Florida’s Craziest Floating Party, Boca Bash, Returns with a Bang

About 6,000 to 10,000 revelers gather in their boats on a lake…
Shedeur Sanders' long wait ends when Cleveland Browns take him in 5th round of NFL draft

Shedeur Sanders gets picked by Cleveland Browns in 5th round of NFL draft, finally ending his long wait

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Shedeur Sanders’ wait finally has ended. The Cleveland…
Brutal reality check for Shedeur Sanders as Browns rookie and GM break their silence on epic NFL Draft tumble

Harsh truth hits Shedeur Sanders as Browns rookie and GM finally speak out about dramatic NFL Draft fall

Shedeur Sanders got a dose of reality after falling to the 144th…
Shocking photos show CIA deputy director's son fighting for Russia in Ukraine war before his battlefield death

Startling images reveal son of CIA deputy director fighting for Russia in Ukraine conflict before his tragic death on the battlefield

Pictures show the CIA deputy director’s son who – unbeknownst to his…