FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE VA Roseburg Healthcare System Safety Alert VA Takes Immediate Action on Positive Legionella Finding On December 23, 2014 the VA Roseburg Healthcare System (VARHS), during a routine water sampling, identified positive results for Legionella Pneumophila Serogroup 1 bacteria (Legionella) in Buildings 1, 2, and 5 on the main campus. This bacterium is a primary cause of Legionnaires’ disease, and occurs naturally in the environment. 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 results, VARHS initiated precautionary measures to ensure no patients or employees were in danger. All water sources are being contained and bottled water distributed throughout these buildings. Signs are being posted outside the building, and at each sink and water fountain instructing individuals not to drink water or shower until it is remediated. Alternative solutions for showers and hand washing are also being 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. To remediate, VARHS will use approved methods of eradication of Legionella, including thermal eradication and hyperchlorination, to ensure the safety of the water supply. Following these procedures VARHS will retest the water supply to ensure safety of patients and staff.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 19:23:01 +0000
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