Legionella not detected at BAMC

By Brooke Army Medical Center Public AffairsAugust 31, 2017

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- After extensive testing and evaluation, Brooke Army Medical Center has found no indication of Legionella bacteria in or around a building adjacent to the hospital.

The test samples were processed through an Environmental Legionella Isolation Techniques Evaluation (ELITE) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention laboratory, which is considered the "gold standard" for Legionella testing. Testing was conducted in the affected area as well as a wide circle of adjacent potential sources.

Earlier this month, two staff members tested positive for Legionnaires' disease and one suspected case was identified, which was never confirmed. The staff members were treated and released.

Since these staff members worked in the same area, testing was conducted to determine if the building was the source of the bacteria. Out of an abundance of caution, BAMC leaders relocated all of the staff who work there to another location pending results which would take approximately 10 days to complete.

"The great news is there is no indication of Legionella bacteria," said BAMC Commander Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Johnson. "We have a team of experienced, dedicated specialists who have gone the extra mile and we're very proud of the work they've done. The safety of our staff and patients is our utmost concern."

While the tests were negative, BAMC leaders and specialists from areas such as industrial hygiene and environmental health are going above and beyond to ensure conditions are safe, the commander said.

"As an additional safeguard, we are conducting a comprehensive series of preventive checks, cleaning and maintenance on the building," said BAMC Deputy Commanding Officer Col. Traci Crawford. "We want everyone on the team to feel fully confident in the safety of their work environment."

Some of these preventive measures include inspecting and cleaning all HVAC systems, flushing of all lines and draining of water heaters.

BAMC will begin to move staff back into the adjacent building this week.

"Our technical experts will continue to evaluate and monitor the building closely to ensure the continued safety of all personnel and patients," said Maj. Lakisha Flagg, BAMC chief, Army Public Health Nursing.

"I want to thank our world-class staff for their patience," Johnson said. "They truly are a team of teams."

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