The bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease has been detected at the Veterans Affairs Loma Linda Healthcare System, prompting further testing of all pneumonia patients.
The Legionella bacteria, which causes a severe form of pneumonia, was discovered during routine water testing, the Orange County Register reports.
“Until further notice, all clinical staff at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System should remain vigilant and ensure that Legionella testing is ordered for all patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of pneumonia,” Dr. V. Franklin Sechriest II, the VA Loma Linda’s chief of staff, said in an email to staff obtained by the Register. “It is crucial to order these clinical tests as soon as pneumonia is suspected or diagnosed to avoid delays in necessary treatment and case investigation.”
Legionnaires’ disease is usually caused by people inhaling the bacteria from water or soil, and if untreated, it can be fatal.
“Although prompt treatment with antibiotics usually cures Legionnaires’ disease, some people continue to have problems after treatment,” the Mayo Clinic warned.
In the case of the VA Loma Linda, officials have not confirmed if any patients have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, though it appears that there were multiple sites of possible exposure.
“Legionella pneumophila, the primary pathogen responsible for the majority of Legionnaires’ cases and the type of Legionella more likely to cause severe pneumonia, and non-pneumophila Legionella, which produces minor symptoms, were found in varying levels in five sinks, a shower, a backflow and two water cooling towers on Jan. 30,” the Register explains, citing a testing report.
The facility has dealt with similar Legionella detections in previous years, the Register added.
