Source: http://www.heraldbulletin.com, December 8, 2015
By: Ken de la Bastide
Several positive tests for the bacteria that may cause Legionnaires’ disease have been found at ManorCare Health Services in Anderson.
The positive tests were found in one of the two water systems that provide water to the health care facility at 1345 N. Madison Ave. in November. The tests were in an isolated part of the facility, an official said.

She said that due to confidentiality laws, the department could not discuss specific numbers of illnesses when fewer than five are reported.
“ManorCare has brought in a professional company to treat the affected water system and has enlisted a consultant to monitor the process,” O’Malley said in an email.
O’Malley said ManorCare has added a chlorination system, which it is monitoring on a daily basis to ensure levels remain within acceptable limits.
She explained that ManorCare has two separate water systems and only one tested positive for the Legionella bacteria and that system was shut down and is being treated.
“The second water system tested negative, and all patients are being served by that unaffected system,” she wrote. “Since this facility shut off its affected water system, there is no need for bottled water.”
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by a type of bacterium called Legionella, which is named after a 1976 outbreak, during which some people who went to a Philadelphia convention of the American Legion suffered from a new type of pneumonia.
The lung infection begins about two to 10 days after exposure and can lead to shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches and high fever. Of every 20 people who get sick, it is estimated that between one and six will die due to complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
O’Malley said people can become infected if they inhale water droplets that are contaminated with the Legionella bacteria.
Tony Thomas, administrator at ManorCare, did not return telephone calls seeking comment.
In a letter to patients and their families dated Nov. 22, Thomas said the positive tests were located in an isolated part of the facility and other areas of the facility tested negative.
“We have taken proactive steps to curb the spread of the bacteria by restricting water use in affected areas,” Thomas wrote. “Some of the residents in the affected area have been moved to the unaffected areas of the center.
“The water system has been treated and we will continue to monitor through ongoing testing to insure the bacteria has been eliminated,” he said.
He also wrote that it was not unusual for a health care facility to have isolated incidents of the disease.
Steve Ford, administrator of the Madison County Health Department, said they were notified by the state and a water testing schedule has been established.
ManorCare Anderson provides short-term rehabilitation care and long-term residential care.