FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE VA Roseburg Healthcare System Safety Alert VA Takes Immediate Action on Positive Legionella Finding On November 13, 2014 the VA Roseburg Healthcare System (VARHS), during a routine water sampling, identified positive results for Legionella Pneumophila Serogroup 1 bacteria (Legionella) in Building 2, on the main campus. This bacterium is a primary cause of Legionnaires’ disease, and occurs naturally in the environment. The positive result is limited to Building 2 only, and no patients or employees have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease; however, patients and staff will continue to be monitored and tested for Legionnaires disease as needed. In response to the positive result, VARHS immediately took precautionary measures to ensure no patients or employees were in danger. All water sources were contained and bottled water was distributed throughout the entire building. Signs were immediately posted outside the building, and at each sink and water fountain instructing individuals not to drink water or shower. Alternative solutions for showers and hand washing were also immediately established. VARHS also sent out a notification of the Legionella finding and Legionella Fast Facts from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to all staff via email. Executive Leaders walked each floor of building 2 and spoke with staff and other individuals to address any concerns. In remediation, VARHS is using approved methods of eradication of Legionella, including thermal eradication and hyperchlorination, to ensure the safety of the water supply. Thermal eradication was completed at 7:30 pm November 13, 2014. Beginning today, November 14th, at 7:00 pm, a contractor will perform the hyperchlorination (shock chlorination) process to eradicate Legionella from the water system in Building 2. Following these procedures VARHS, will retest the water supply to ensure safety of patients and staff.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 20:01:30 +0000
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