When there is a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, health officials (local, state and sometimes federal) investigate. Part of this investigation includes testing for Legionella bacteria in the water systems. This is because Legionella causes Legionnaires’ disease pneumonia. Breathing in even a little water mist contaminated with this bacteria can lead to deadly pneumonia.
There have long been tests for Legionella available to building owners; however, not all states require testing of buildings. The federal government owns numerous buildings, including Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities. Until now, testing was not stringently scheduled in these buildings.
In response to a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak that killed 6 and sickened more than 20 patients at a VA hospital in Pittsburgh, the Veterans Affairs Administration issued a comprehensive new policy, Directive 1061, to ensure the scheduled testing for Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, and remediation of its medical facilities.
This is long overdue. The men and women of the armed forces should be provided medical facilities that are free from dangerous pathogens like Legionella.
In addition to this scheduled testing, we urge the VA to immediately investigate and do significant testing when even one case of Legionnaires’ disease may be associated with a VA facility. We also call for total and absolute transparency. Every person residing in or entering a VA building should be told 1) whether the water system in that building has tested positive for Legionella and 2) whether the water system in that building is suspected as the source of illness. There should be no exceptions. People need to know they are at risk. Relatives need to be aware and watch for symptoms.