FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – A resident of the Fresno Veterans Home has tested positive for legionella infection.
Legionella is a bacteria that can cause a pneumonia-type illness called Legionnaires’ disease and a mild flu-like illness called Pontiac fever.
The patient is being treated at the VA hospital. It’s not known yet if he was exposed to legionella at the Veterans Home.
Officials at the Fresno Veterans Home say they are taking preventative measures to protect staff and residents, including hyperchloronating the water system and providing bottled water to staff, residents and visitors.
The Fresno Veterans Home has not been locked down but staff is following the Fresno County Department of Public Health’s recommendation to limit the activity of residents to prevent further exposure and the spread of the flu.
Additionally, residents are encouraged to wear a mask any time they leave facility, to avoid exposure in the community.
CDC: Legionella is a type of bacterium found naturally in freshwater environments, like lakes and streams. It can become a health concern when it grows and spreads in human-made water systems like: showers and faucets, cooling towers (air-conditioning units for large buildings), hot tubs that aren’t drained after each use, decorative fountains and water features, hot water tanks and heaters, large plumbing systems.
