Berkshire County officials trying to find source of Legionella bacteria

Pittsfield, MA (News10) — More than half a dozen positive Legionella cases have turned up recently in Berkshire County. While the exact source of these cases is unknown, the search is on to find the source.

Over the past four months, Berkshire Medical Center’s lab has shown seven positive test results for Legionella, a bacteria that causes Legionnaire’s disease, a severe form of pneumonia.  While there is currently no conclusive evidence as to where the bacteria came from, the hospital is exercising caution; it flushed its water system and is increasing the amount of chlorine in the water, as well as its filtration system. 

The Pittsfield Mayor’s Office is assisting, working in direct contact with Berkshire Medical Center and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Speaking to the quality of their water, the Mayor’s Office issued the following statement to News10:

“Our treated water consistently meets this standard and most recent sampling shows a system-wide disinfectant residual average of 0.77 mg/L. This is well above the 0.1 mg/L level recognized by MassDEP under the study published by the American Water Works Association as effective in protecting against bacteria such as Legionella. Additional sampling near and within the hospital area showed results between 0.24 mg/L and 0.58 mg/L, all of which are above the recognized protective level.”

They said testing for Legionella in the public water system is not required under these regulations, but the safeguard is maintaining chlorine disinfectant, and that Pittsfield continues to meet that standard and will continue to monitor chlorine levels while working closely with BMC and MDPH.

Berkshire Medical Center reported that it regularly tests its water supply to make sure it meets regulatory standards and first noted slight increases in Legionella bacteria in July and August. It responded by flushing its water system and increasing chlorine levels, which are monitored 24/7, to disinfect it.

The hospital is asking patients to use tap water only for hand-washing, and is providing bottled water to all patients and staff in the interim.

Legionnaire’s disease generally occurs two to twelve days after exposure and is treatable with antibiotics. Anyone experiencing symptoms who suspects they may be infected should reach out to their primary health care provider.