Preliminary testing shows 'probable Legionella' in water at Westmoreland Manor

Preliminary testing indicated a finding of “probable Legionella” bacteria, which causes Legionnaires’ disease, in water at Westmoreland Manor, county officials said Wednesday.

Additional testing is under way, the county reported in a statement. Final results are expected by early next week.

“Westmoreland Manor was notified by the Pennsylvania Department of Health of a potential issue with our water source, namely Legionella. To protect the safety of our residents and employees, the Manor took immediate precautions, including having the water tested. The county has received those preliminary results which indicate a finding of ‘probable Legionella,’ ” read the statement from Westmoreland County solicitor Melissa Guiddy.

The state Department of Health last week notified Westmoreland Manor, the county-owned nursing home in Hempfield, that Legionella bacteria was potentially present at the facility. The 400-bed facility has continued to operate during the testing. Residents and staff have been restricted to the use of bottled water for drinking and cleaning since Friday.

Those precautions will remain in place until next week.

“No tap water is to be consumed by residents, staff or visitors or to be used for oral hygiene purposes,” the statement read. “All residents will continue to be provided with bottled/jugs of water for drinking purposes. Bed baths will be given in lieu of showering/whirlpool bathing.

“The county is obtaining an additional supply of water for use at the Manor during this time period. The county will work in conjunction with any recommendations of the Pennsylvania Department of Health to continue to protect the safety of our residents, visitors and employees.”

Nate Wardle, spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of Health, declined Wednesday to make public details about the testing or the findings.

“Information will be provided as necessary to protect public health,” Wardle said. “Often in cases such as this, there is no threat to public health outside of people who information regarding an investigation has already been communicated to.”

Legionnaires’ disease, also known as Legionellosis, is a serious pneumonialike ailment that can require hospitalization and can be fatal, according to the health department.

County officials have declined to say whether any residents or staff at the Manor have been diagnosed with symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease.

The ailment is caused by exposure to the Legionella bacteria found in water. It can be spread through water distribution systems or bodies of water.

Residents over age 50 are most susceptible, according to the state health department.