Pittsburgh VA Medical Center Confirms Legionella Cases, Implements Water Safety Measures
Two patients at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center have tested positive for Legionella, the bacteria responsible for Legionnaires’ Disease. This development comes after employees raised concerns about the presence of the bacteria in the hospital's water system. In response, the VA has implemented water restrictions and is actively treating, flushing, and testing water lines to ensure safety. The Allegheny County Health Department has not been notified, as testing positive for Legionella does not necessarily indicate Legionnaires’ Disease. The hospital has a history with Legionella, having experienced an outbreak in 2011 and 2012 that resulted in six deaths and 22 illnesses. 
