Legionella found in Sentara Princess Anne Hospital water; no illnesses reported

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – Sentara Princess Anne Hospital (SPAH) is awaiting results after detecting bacteria inside of some water samples.

According to officials, strains of legionella were found in some samples. The bacteria is connected to Legionnaires disease , which is a serious type of pneumonia.

Sentara’s statement can be read in full below:

There are no reported cases of illness, including Legionnaires Disease, associated with Sentara Princess Anne Hospital water. During routine scheduled water testing earlier this month, Sentara Princess Anne Hospital detected legionella serogroups 2-15 in some water samples collected. SPAH implemented remediation to address the findings in accordance with the hospitals water management plan, and out of an abundance of caution an infection prevention team is on standby to quickly identify cases of confirmed legionellosis and initiate tracing to identify the source. Additional water testing was conducted this week with final results pending. There have been no reported cases of illnesses, associated with the sources of the water, including Legionnaires disease.

Mike Kafka, Director, Corporate Communications & Public Relations

The National Institute of Health states that the bacteria detected, legionella serogroups 2-15, rarely cause Legionnaires disease.

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