Water testing at a federal building in Lower Manhattan found Legionella bacteria in 81 locations, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease. Legionella was found in various water sources throughout the building, prompting concerns among employees. The building houses important federal agencies, but experts suggest the risk of illness is low unless individuals develop symptoms. The General Services Administration is taking steps to address the issue and improve water quality management. Legionella has been detected in other GSA-controlled buildings across the country in recent years. It’s important for at-risk individuals to be cautious and seek medical attention if needed.
Legionella Bacteria Found in Water Testing at Federal Building in Lower Manhattan
Water testing conducted at a major federal building in Lower Manhattan, which houses immigration court and federal law enforcement offices, has revealed the presence of Legionella bacteria in numerous locations. Legionella is a type of bacteria that can lead to Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), responsible for operating the building, discovered Legionella in the water at 81 locations within 26 Federal Plaza, based on documents obtained by THE CITY and Healthbeat.
The testing took place between August 23 and 25, as per an email sent on Sunday night from building staff to Department of Justice members working in the building. Legionella was found in various water sources throughout the building, including kitchens, locker room showers, drinking fountains, and daycare sinks. Additionally, elevated levels of copper were detected in two separate rooms, and elevated levels of lead were found in a faucet within a lactation room.
Employees entering the building on Monday were greeted by signs announcing the presence of Legionella in the drinking water system, with the message that normal use could continue. However, many employees were unaware of the situation and had not noticed the posted signs. The 41-story complex at 26 Federal Plaza houses several federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI’s New York branch, and the U.S. Court of International Trade and Immigration Court.
Dr. Waleed Javaid, a professor of medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, emphasized that the mere presence of Legionella should not cause significant alarm unless individuals start showing symptoms of illness. For individuals working in or visiting a building where Legionella has been detected, the risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease is generally low.
The GSA spokesperson stated that there are no known active public health cases linked to Legionnaires’ disease from the water supply at 26 Federal Plaza. To address the situation, the agency has initiated a proactive water quality management program, which includes flushing all point-of-use outlets, evaluating equipment functionality, and reviewing building operations to ensure water safety.
This is not the first instance of Legionella bacteria being detected in GSA-managed buildings in recent years. A memo from the GSA’s Office of Inspector General highlighted elevated levels of Legionella at six GSA-controlled buildings across the country. In New York, elevated levels were found at the Lewiston Bridge Land Port of Entry. The memo urged the agency to take immediate action to address the risk of Legionella contamination in its water systems.
Legionella bacteria can pose a greater risk to individuals with certain health conditions or weakened immune systems. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. While treatment with antibiotics is usually successful, hospitalization may be necessary, and complications can lead to fatalities.
The likelihood of illness from Legionella is higher in places where people spend extended periods, such as apartment buildings and hospitals. While the risk in workplaces like 26 Federal Plaza is low, it is not zero. Legionella naturally occurs in water sources like lakes and streams but becomes a concern when it enters building water systems and multiplies in stagnant water. People can become infected by inhaling water droplets containing the bacteria from various sources.
In New York State, there have been over 4,000 cases of Legionella-related illnesses from 2019 to 2023. Clusters of Legionnaires’ disease have been reported in various locations, including New York City Housing Authority developments. The bacteria can be particularly dangerous in healthcare settings, as seen in recent outbreaks at assisted living homes and nursing facilities.
As the GSA continues its efforts to address the Legionella contamination at 26 Federal Plaza, it is crucial for individuals to follow recommended guidelines and consult healthcare providers if they develop symptoms or have concerns about potential exposure. Public awareness and proactive measures are key to preventing the spread of Legionella and protecting public health.
Eliza Fawcett, a reporter in New York City for Healthbeat, a nonprofit newsroom focusing on public health, provided insights into the Legionella situation at 26 Federal Plaza. Stay informed about health news by signing up for Healthbeat’s free New York City newsletter.
Source: TheCity.NYC
