Health officials helping determine cause of bacteria contamination

The Branch-Hillsdale-St Joseph Community Health Agency is receiving support from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in its investigation of a nursing care facility’s water system that tested positive for Legionella bacteria contamination.

The case was made public last week.

Health officials said there was one confirmed case of Legionellosis associated with the facility, which is not being identified until the investigation has concluded.

To date, 14 of 22 environmental water samples collected at the facility tested positive for Legionella bacteria.  Based on guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this level of contamination indicates a potential risk to patients and visitors at the nursing care facility.

An environmental assessment has been conducted and remediation has been initiated to eliminate the source of contamination.

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