This month, there were 4 positive findings of Legionella bacteria in water samples taken from the Bob Stump VA Medical Center in Prescott, Arizona, 500 Hwy 89 N, Prescott, AZ 86313, part of the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System (NAVAHCS). The bacteria, which causes a deadly form of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ Disease (LD), was also found at the facility in October and December of 2014, according to media reports1. There have been no reports of LD caused by water at the Prescott VA facility.
February 2015
Four positive samples of Legionella were from:
- The Domicilory, Building 151, which houses veterans with mental health and vocational needs who need a short-term residential treatment program; and
- the main hospital.
The locations of the 4 positive samples (out of 60 total samples taken) include:
- A water and ice machine not used for 2 years, the only sample with levels of Legionella higher than that allowed by the CDC (over 10 colony-forming unites of a species of Legionella that does not cause pneumonia);
- A refrigerator water dispenser in a medication prop room in the Domicilory (species of Legionella that does not cause pneumonia);
- A bathtub fixture in the main hospital that had not been used for 2 years; and
- A water and ice machine on the 3rd floor of the main hospital, in a specialty clinic area.
The VA has indicated that these areas have been cleaned. Note that these positive results were from stagnant water. Part of the cleaning process at this VA facility needs to be disposing of water and ice machines that are no longer in use. There is no excuse for any sources of stagnant water in a hospital. The VA is well aware of the risk of Legionnaires’ Disease.
December 2014
One of 60 water samples taken in December was positive for Legionella. The sample was from a water and ice machine in Building 107 which was not used very frequently, according to media reports2. The lack of use resulted in stagnant water. Remedial measures included disinfecting the machine and replacing the filter.
October 2014
In October of 2014, the VA reported that 9 of 60 water samples from the Bob Stump VA Medical Center were positive for Legionella bacteria, according to news reports3. The samples were from 5 rooms in Building 107, the acute care unit. At the time, there were about 10 patients residing in that unit. Eight of the 9 samples were from faucets and showers only used by staff.
When informed of the positive test results, the medical center took precautions, including providing bottled water to patients and giving them showers in another building. It also flushed the system with chlorine.
Sources:
1. VA officials assure no health risk from Legionella bacteria. February 22, 2015. The Daily Courier: http://dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=142162.
2. Legionella bacteria detected at Prescott VA. December 19, 2014. The Daily Courier: http://dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=139682
3. VA getting handle on bacteria in water: Legionella bacteria found in low-use areas, not occupied patient rooms. October 22, 2014. The Daily Courier: http://dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&subsectionID=1086&articleID=137507.