Bacteria causing Legionnaire’s found at Pittsburgh prison
PITTSBURGH (AP) – State corrections officials say they’re testing the water and have suspended inmate showers in one area after the bacteria that causes Legionnaire’s disease was found in water at the state prison in Pittsburgh.
The bacteria was found in the prison’s cooling tower and medical building on Monday, prompting the Department of Corrections to hire a private contractor to test and disinfect the water supply.
Legionnaire’s isn’t spread person-to-person but rather when someone breathes in infected water particles, often from showers and drinking fountains.
Showers have been suspended in the prison’s medical area, but showers in other parts of the prison and water used to cook inmate meals hasn’t been affected.
Prison officials are also providing bottled water to inmates and staff as a precaution.