Rumors of an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease at the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home are untrue, according to a spokeswoman at the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Joan Nissley said routine water testing in June, detected extremely low levels of Legionella bacteria in ten locations at the home. As a precaution, those water systems were taken out of service, cleaned and flushed.
Nissley said no residents, volunteers, or staff showed any signs or symptoms of the disease. She added that the Legionella bacteria is naturally in water in places such as water fountains, sinks, and other areas with an aerator.
Nissley said water systems at the home are routinely tested for the bacteria, although there is no requirement for the testing.