Pseudomonas aeruginosa rash associated with a whirlpool

A generalized pruritic pustular rash was reported by 32 of 61 (53%) persons who had used the swimming pool and whirlpool at a Minnesota motel in March 1975. A questionnaire survey indicated that attack rates were highest in periods of heaviest bather load. The rash appeared 8 to 48 hours after exposure and resolved within seven days. No rash was reported by 37 motel guests who did not use the pool. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, serogroup 11, was isolated from the skin lesions of two patients and from the water from both pools. Circumstantial evidence implicated the whirlpool as the most probable source of infection. Deficiencies in disinfecting equipment and technique were identified and corrected.