Atlanta VA Patient Died Of Legionnaires’ Disease: Report

ATLANTA, GA — An immunocompromised inpatient of the Atlanta VA Health Care System who died after showing symptoms of pneumonia tested positive for the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease.

WSB-TV reported a letter sent to VA staff members Thursday said the patient tested positive for Legionella.

Atlanta VA said tests were negative for the last two years on the floor where the patient was treated. The area was cleaned and disinfected, WSB said, and there are no active cases of Legionella at the facility.

What Is Legionnaires' Disease?

It's a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which grow in warm water and spread in building water systems. They can be found in showerheads, hot tubs and cooling towers.

People often get the disease by inhaling aerosols from contaminated water. Hospital patients can also contract it through contaminated water or ice, and babies can be exposed during water births, health officials said. People don't get it from each other.

Symptoms usually develop two days to two weeks after exposure and include cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches and shortness of breath, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Complications can include respiratory failure, shock and kidney or multi-organ failure.

To minimize the growth of the bacteria, the WHO said building owners should regularly clean and disinfect cooling towers, maintain an adequate level of chlorine in spa pools and flush unused taps in weekly.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.