ANAHEIM — Disneyland has shut down two cooling towers after an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease.

Orange County health officials said nine people who visited the theme park in September came down with the disease, CNN reported.

Three other people in the Anaheim area also got sick, according to a spokeswoman for the Orange County Health Care Agency.

The 12 patients range in age from 52 to 94, according to the L.A. Times.

The towers were shut down after Disney was notified by health officials on October 27 about increased Legionnaires' cases, according to CNN.

Disney found two of its 18 cooling towers had elevated levels of Legionella bacteria, which were then treated and disinfected.
Cooling towers supply cooled water for several uses such as refrigeration or air conditioning, but not for drinking water.

Legionnaires disease is a severe lung infection caused by Legionella bacteria through exposure to contaminated water or mist.

The source of the mist can be air conditioning units, showers or hot tubs. It is not contagious between humans. It is treated with antibiotics.
Disney is now waiting on health officials to see when the two towers can be put back online.