Source: http://www.wtae.com, October 4, 2015
Authorities say three water fixtures at the Pittsburgh Veterans Affairs hospital have tested positive for bacteria that causes Legionnaire’s disease.
Veterans Affairs officials said Friday that the affected fixtures at the Oakland hospital include a patient shower, a staff sink and a public sink, but the type of Legionella bacteria found in the sinks rarely causes illness in people.
Officials are investigating whether the shower bacteria could have contributed to any patient illness. Officials said the Oakland hospital diagnosed the deadly form of pneumonia in three veterans last month, all of whom have recovered.
Dr. Brooke Decker, director of infection prevention, said the fixtures are closed and will be cleaned and retested.
Legionnaire’s disease killed at least six Pittsburgh VA patients and sickened 22 others in 2011 and 2012.