The bug that causes Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia, has turned up in the water at the Roseburg VA Medical Center.
The medical facility said that routine water sampling in buildings one, two and five on the main campus was positive for Legionella pneumophila.
The bacterium, which occurs in the environment, is a primary cause of Legionnaires' disease. But the hospital said no one -- not patients or employees -- have been diagnosed with the disease.
Staff will continue to monitor people for symptoms, which include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches and headaches. Symptoms usually appear two to 14 days after being exposed to the bacteria.
In hopes of preventing disease, bottled water is being distributed throughout the affected buildings. The facility has posted signs outside the building and at each sink and water fountain, instructing people not to drink the water or shower until tests turn up negative. Alternative solutions for showers and hand washing are also being established.
The hospital will heat the water and add chlorination to kill the bacteria then test again to ensure it is safe.
-- Lynne Terry