HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Mildred Mitchell-Bateman Hospital has detected a recurrence of Legionella bacteria. The results show the presence of Legionella in the MMBH basement level break room and inside the CEO’s office.
This comes as part of its routine screening for Legionella and because of issues detected in April 2021. The hospital is operated by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR),
In April 2021, the hospital replaced all faucets and the hot water heater and installed a recirculation pump, a release said. All water sources were tested periodically since April and samples collected following mitigation efforts did not detect Legionella bacteria until recent verification testing was conducted.
“The facility is following all recommended procedures to immediately address the issue,” said Dr. Ayne Amjad, State Health Officer and Commissioner of DHHR’s Bureau for Public Health.
Amjad said the two areas will be resampled and flushed. DHHR is working directly with the hospital to remedy the situation. Since there is not a risk to the public, the buildings will remain open during the assessment and correction period, a release said.