The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) headquarters in Baltimore has closed its doors after legionella, a bacteria with potentially fatal consequences, was found in the building’s water supply.
According to CDC data, there has been a rise in Legionnaire’s disease reports since 2000. In 2021, there was an outbreak of flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle fatigue, nausea and respiratory problems at Duke University after approximately 84 individuals were exposed to legionella while attending the K Academy—a basketball camp for adults. Last August, the Southern Nevada Health District investigated Caesars Palace and The Orleans after guests had been infected with legionella bacteria.
CMS officials said that no employees have been harmed by the bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease if inhaled or aspirated. The bacteria was discovered during routine plumbing tests, according to a report by the Washington Post. Newsweek reached out to the CMS through online contact form for comment.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of severe pneumonia that can prove fatal for approximately 10 percent of people infected. As well as pneumonia symptoms, Legionnaires’ disease can cause diarrhea, nausea and confusion among those infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms usually present themselves within two to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria, but they can sometimes take longer to occur.
Legionella is found naturally occurring in freshwater sources, but at times it can infiltrate water systems, particularly those of large establishments such as hospitals, hotels, office buildings because the complex water system can harbor legionella. The CDC said that buildings with complex water systems are most often the cause of legionella, although “community-wide outbreaks caused by construction-related disturbance to drinking water distribution lines or cooling towers have also been observed.” The bacteria do not usually spread among people, although, this may be possible in very rare circumstances, according to the CDC.
Certain factors can contribute to the growth of legionella in water systems, such as the presence of biofilm, warm water, not enough disinfectant and stagnant water. In addition to water systems, the bacteria can also be found in hot tubs, water heaters, shower heads, decorative fountains and large plumbing systems.
Newsweek reached out to the CDC by email for comment.
The CMS headquarters had recently been under construction, the Washington Post reported, although it is unclear if the construction contributed to the bacteria infiltrating the building. The building closed last Friday after the bacteria was discovered and will remain closed for several weeks as the water is treated.
“The health and safety of the CMS workforce is our top priority. In an abundance of caution, we have closed our location in Baltimore until the situation is resolved,” the agency told The Washington Post.
Employees are working remotely during the closure.
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