September 18, 2025

As the leading provider of healthcare in the region, Berkshire Health Systems is responsible for caring for everyone in our community, especially those most vulnerable to infection and illness. We are currently deploying a heightened level of precautions under our formal Water Management Plan, and we wanted to inform you of what you can expect at BMC to ensure a safe healthcare environment for patients, families, visitors, and staff.

What Happened?

In the past four months, the BMC laboratory has reported seven positive patient tests for Legionella, a naturally occurring bacteria found in fresh water. Berkshire Medical Center’s laboratory immediately sends all reports of positive Legionella to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA-DPH). There is no way to determine for certain how these individuals contracted Legionella. However, because some patients interacted with Berkshire Medical Center during a 14-day window prior to the onset of symptoms, the CDC defines these cases as possible healthcare-associated Legionella.

As part of our ongoing safety and maintenance procedures, we regularly test the water supply for Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) under a formal Water Management Plan to ensure that water quality meets all standards approved by regulatory and accrediting bodies. In July and August, Berkshire Medical Center noted slight increases in the levels of Legionella bacteria in the water; however, these levels remained within acceptable levels according to our Water Management Plan. At that time, we took the necessary and appropriate steps, according to the Water Management Plan, to flush the water system.

Our Response

We have consulted with the MA-DPH about both the water levels and the positive patient tests. After considering these two issues together, out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to implement additional measures around water usage at BMC.

Specifically:

• We have increased chlorine levels in the hospital’s water supply to disinfect the system. Patients and staff may notice the odor of chlorine for several days. Chlorine levels will be monitored 24/7 and will remain within safe industry standards.
• We are increasing the sensitivity of the filters on all patient showers and ice machines to provide an even higher level of filtration for the water.
• During this time, we ask that all patients, visitors, and staff use tap water for hand-washing only. We will be providing bottled water to all patients and staff.

What is Legionella?

Legionella is a naturally occurring bacteria found in fresh water. In public water supplies, municipalities reduce bacteria through chlorination.

Legionella bacteria spreads when tiny droplets of water containing the bacteria get into the air and people breathe them in. It can cause a serious lung infection known as Legionnaires’ disease. Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia that can be treated with commonly available antibiotics. Legionnaires’ disease does not typically spread from person to person.

More information about Legionnaires’ disease can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/legionella, including symptoms and risk factors. If you have symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, please contact your medical provider.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Administration at 413-395-7998. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.