Experts in disease prevention are criticizing Baltimore and Maryland’s response to Legionella bacteria found in public buildings, calling for stronger action to prevent future outbreaks.
The Alliance to Prevent Legionnaires’ Disease issued a statement referencing The Baltimore Sun’s report on Legionella bacteria discovered at Spring Grove Hospital Center in Catonsville. The group expressed concerns that both local and state responses have been inadequate in addressing the issue.
The organization urged Maryland lawmakers to examine New Jersey’s recent efforts to overhaul its Legionella prevention measures. Legionella bacteria cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia that can be deadly in one out of ten cases. The Alliance stated that waiting to see where Legionella bacteria appear next is not an effective approach and urged officials to take proactive steps to prevent its spread.
Concerns over Legionella bacteria have been rising in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. Several positive Legionella tests have been reported, and one infection was confirmed last month at Dorsey Run Correctional Facility in Jessup. The incarcerated man who contracted Legionnaires’ disease has since recovered.
On Friday, testing at three Baltimore courthouses—Baltimore City District Courthouse, Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. Courthouse, and Elijah E. Cummings Courthouse—revealed elevated Legionella levels for the second time.
Secondary testing conducted on February 11 confirmed the presence of the bacteria. In response, city officials plan to implement flushing and chlorination treatments and install mechanical water management systems to limit bacterial growth.
Water quality concerns in Baltimore facilities have prompted officials to temporarily close several buildings for treatment. City Hall was among the buildings where contamination was suspected or detected, leading to temporary closures before reopening amid ongoing testing last year.
The Alliance recommended that Maryland consider New Jersey’s approach, which includes a comprehensive “source-to-tap” policy for effective water management. New Jersey’s law, passed last year, sets strict standards for public water distribution systems and large buildings where Legionella bacteria can thrive.
Under the New Jersey law, facilities such as hospitals and correctional centres must develop water management plans that align with guidelines from the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers or similar organizations. The Alliance believes Maryland legislators should follow a similar path to improve water safety in the state.
Dr. Hung Cheung, a board member of the Alliance and former member of the Maryland Governor’s Task Force on Indoor Air Quality, emphasized the importance of a proactive strategy. He noted that older water systems in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions make them particularly vulnerable to Legionella outbreaks.
Cooling towers, commonly used for large HVAC systems, are another potential source of Legionella bacteria. Unlike New Jersey, Maryland does not have specific laws regulating Legionella prevention, although infections must be reported to the state health department under Maryland’s current health regulations.
Legionnaires’ disease was first identified in 1976 during an American Legion convention in Philadelphia. The outbreak resulted in 182 illnesses and 29 deaths. Investigations later found that cooling towers from the hotel’s air conditioning system had become colonized with Legionella bacteria, spreading contaminated mist and aerosols throughout the building.
Dr. Cheung did not immediately respond to additional requests for comment but emphasized that reducing Legionnaires’ disease cases requires a focus on prevention. He stressed the need to address both the water supply and the delivery systems that bring water to homes and workplaces to ensure public safety.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
