Legionella Outbreak Strikes Maintenance Buildings

Legionella bacteria has been detected in the water supply for four maintenance hangars at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and at least one employee demonstrated symptoms related to Legionnaires’ disease. According to American Airlines spokesperson Matt Miller:

“One of American’s employees recently reported having symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease. That employee has now returned to work. Out of an abundance of caution, we decided to test the water system at our maintenance hangars (where the employee works) for Legionella bacteria. As a part of that process, we determined that low levels of the bacteria were present at those facilities. It’s important to note that we don’t have any evidence to show it was contracted at our hangars, and only one employee has reported symptoms.”

Legionellosis is a bacterial disease of the lungs caused by Legionella pneumophila. The disease can range from a mild respiratory illness to severe pneumonia and death. The most common form of legionellosis is known as Legionnaires’ disease, named after an outbreak in 1976 when many people who attended an American Legion conference in Philadelphia became ill.

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This Quick Read was submitted by Dan Hounsell, editor-in-chief of Facility Maintenance Decisions, dan.hounsell@tradepressmedia.com.

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