Legionella found in West Palm Beach VA for second time this year

Legionella was recently found in West Palm Beach (Fla.) VA Medical Center's water supply for the second time this year, according to a CBS12 report.

The potentially harmful bacteria originally appeared in the VA's water supply this year in January. The hospital hyper-chlorinated its supply then, but the Legionella is back again.

Now, the hospital shut off its drinking fountains and changed the filters on shower heads and ice machines, according to the report. The hospital also provided bottled water to patients so they can brush their teeth. So far, no patients have fallen ill.

Additionally, the VA hospital is working on installing a secondary water disinfection system as a long-term solution to the problem, according to CBS12.

Legionella can cause a certain type of pneumonia, known as legionellosis or Legionnaires' disease, which can be fatal.

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