November 25, 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 Water Management Program, 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?
During the summer, the BMC laboratory 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), which it did with these results. MA-DPH has been conducting an investigation to try to determine how these seven individuals might have contracted the bacteria. Although there has been no determination that any of these individuals contracted the bacteria at BMC, because some of the individuals had been physically present at Berkshire Medical Center during a 14-day window prior to the onset of symptoms, MA-DPH identified these cases as possible healthcare-associated Legionnaires’ disease.
Our Response
As soon as we became aware of the situation, we, in close consultation with MA-DPH, took steps to flush our water system. We have also implemented additional measures out of an abundance of caution, including:
- Increasing chlorine levels in the hospital’s water system to disinfect the system.
- Increasing the hot water temperature in our water heaters.
- Increasing the frequency of our water sampling and testing.
- Installing filters on patient showers and ice machines.
- Providing all patients and staff with bottled water for drinking and asking all patients, visitors and staff to use tap water only for handwashing and showering but not for drinking for the next several months until our heightened surveillance testing is completed.
We continue to work closely with MA-DPH to ensure that follow-up testing and any other appropriate steps are taken.
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.