The bacteria Legionella, which causes Legionnaire’s Disease, has been identified in the water supply at Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital.
In November, the Barry Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) became aware of a second case of Legionnaire’s disease identified in patients at Spectrum Health Pennock, according to a health department news release.
While it is unknown if the two recent cases at the hospital are directly connected to the Legionella found in the water supply, the hospital is taking steps to protect patients from Legionella, the release said.
Primarily, steps include providing alternative water sources, using water filtration as appropriate, and testing additional patients for Legionnaire’s disease. Spectrum Health Pennock sampled the water supply at various locations around the hospital on Dec.18; positive results for Legionella were reported to the health department on Dec. 26.
A spokesperson for the hospital was not available for comment.
Legionnaire’s disease is caused by bacteria called Legionella. The disease is a kind of pneumonia, or lung infection. People can become infected with the disease when they breathe in water droplets containing the bacteria. It cannot be spread from person to person. Symptoms of the disease are cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headache, and fever.
Legionnaire’s disease can be serious but is treatable with antibiotics. Most afflicted people will need to go to the hospital but will make a full recovery. However, about one in 10 people with Legionnaire’s die from the infection. Those experiencing these symptoms should contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Legionella is commonly found in large, manmade water systems, including those found in healthcare facilities such as hospitals. The health department is partnering with Spectrum Health Pennock to monitor the water supply and protect patients, and will continue to monitor testing results of the hospital’s water system to assure that the situation is resolved once long-term remediation methods have been implemented. More information can be found on the CDC’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/fastfacts.html.
