Legionella found in Pittsburgh hospital’s water tanks

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Bacteria that cause Legionnaire’s disease have been found in two water tanks at a Pittsburgh hospital.

The Legionella bacteria were found in two tests earlier this month at Allegheny General Hospital.

The hospital tested its water after a cancer patient treated for a respiratory ailment last month was found to have the disease and was readmitted with breathing problems later in the month.

Hospital officials don’t believe that patient contracted Legionnaire’s because of the hospital’s water supply, however, and they’ve yet to confirm any patients have been infected by the hospital’s water.

The hospital cancer center’s water was tested twice last week and found to be free of the bacteria. Tests on another water supply are pending.

Legionnaire’s is a type of pneumonia that can be fatal to people with weakened immune systems.