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Legionella bacteria found in Pennsylvania VA hospital years after fatal outbreak

Patriot-News - 2/2/2017

Feb. 01--The potentially deadly bacteria responsible for Legionnaire's disease has been discovered at a Pittsburgh Veterans Affairs hospital, reports indicate. This just a few years after at least 5 people were killed by a Legionnaire's outbreak in the same VA healthcare system.

According to TribLive.com, the latest case began this month, with legionella bacteria discovered in sinks in a vacant administrative unit of the hospital on University Drive, as well as in sinks in an outpatient clinic and a pair of supply lines.

In response, water restrictions have been put in place as the hospital completes remediation work and awaits further test results to see if the bacteria have been successfully eradicated from affected areas, the hospital's director of infection protection told TribLive.com.

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According to the CDC, Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia that can be fatal to patients with compromised immune systems. The disease is often spread by people breathing in small droplets of water in the air that contain the bacteria. The bacteria also grow best in warm water and often in man-made water systems.

In 2011 and 2012, an outbreak of Legionnaire's disease in the Pittsburgh VA healthcare system left at least 22 patients infected and at least 5 dead. The episode would go on to raise questions about government oversight in the aftermath and prompt calls for reform measures nationwide. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), for example, referenced a "clear lack of understanding at VA facilities across the country about proper protocol when testing for Legionella."

In the latest case of legionella detection at a VA facility in Pittsburgh, officials say there have been no cases of hospital-acquired Legionnaire's disease as a result, likely due to early detection and eradication efforts on their part.

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