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.

Legionella is a naturally occurring bacteria found in fresh water. In public water supplies, municipalities reduce it by adding chlorine. Legionella bacteria spreads when tiny droplets of water containing the bacteria get into the air and people breathe them in.

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.

Legionella is a naturally occurring bacteria found in fresh water. In public water supplies, municipalities reduce it by adding chlorine.

During the summer, the BMC laboratory reported seven positive tests for Legionella. The most recent case that we were aware of was identified in late August.

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.

We are 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. Any sinks or showers on which filters have not yet been installed are marked “Do not use.” Ice/water dispensers have appropriate filters installed and may be used for drinking.

We are notifying all patients who come to BMC via letter that explains the situation, provides information about Legionella, and shares the precautionary measures we have in place for water usage on our campus. This letter has also been shared with staff and is posted on our website.

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.

We continue to monitor Legionella levels in our water supply and will continue our mitigation efforts for so long as appropriate in accordance with DPH guidance. We are asking all staff, patients, and visitors to follow our precautionary measures respecting tap water until we advise you otherwise.

Out of an abundance of caution, BMC is asking all patients, visitors, and staff to use BMC tap water for hand-washing and showering only. We are providing bottled water for drinking. Ice/water dispensers have appropriate filters installed and may be used for drinking. Risk of infection is extremely low, and we are not recommending patients or community members take any further precautions at this time. It is important to know that Legionnaires’ disease does not typically spread from person to person.

Anyone with symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath should contact their medical provider. Our clinicians are aware of this issue and will recommend testing if indicated based on a patient’s symptoms.

There is no evidence that any other facility’s water is impacted; however, we continue to monitor water quality across our facilities in accordance with our Water Management Program. Should we see any cause for concern in other BHS facilities, we will communicate those to you and take appropriate precautionary measures.

Patients who are immunocompromised are considered at high-risk for contracting Legionnaire’s disease.

There is no need to be tested for Legionella unless you have symptoms, like fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Anyone who has these symptoms should contact their medical provider. Our clinicians are aware of this issue and will recommend testing if indicated based on a patient’s symptoms.

Anyone with symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath should contact their medical provider. Our clinicians are aware of this issue and will recommend testing if indicated based on a patient’s symptoms.

We have been in contact with city and county leadership to ensure they are aware of the situation. At this time, we are not aware of any precautionary measures being taken outside of BMC in our community.