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.
More articles on infection prevention:
Water at Kan. VA hospital tests positive for Legionella
Midwives in Texas may see stricter infection control standards for water births
5 steps to temper, prevent Legionella outbreaks
