Possible Legionella byproduct detected after routine water testing at Allegheny Jail
PITTSBURGH —
Routine testing of the water systems at the Allegheny County Jail detected compounds that could be byproducts of Legionella, according to a spokesperson for the facility.
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Officials said two bathrooms at the jail were partially closed this week after routine water testing in the restrooms tested positive for compounds that could be byproducts of Legionella.
The county health department was immediately contacted, and jail officials said further testing will be conducted to determine if there is Legionella in the water fixtures.
“It is important to note that no staff or inmates have reported any symptoms of Legionella, and there is no evidence that anyone has become sick,” an email sent to staff read.
Contact with Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease. It can include symptoms of lower respiratory illness or pneumonia, headache, chest pain, nausea, gastrointestinal issues, and altered mental state, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It is unclear how long it will take for results to come back.
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