Following the confirmation of four cases of Legionella among inmates at the State Correctional Institution at Somerset, Department of Corrections officials, in coordination with the state Department of Health, have taken steps to determine the cause and manage the medical situation.
“We are taking this situation very seriously,” Corrections Secretary John Wetzel said. “While the public is not in any danger, we believe in being proactive. Our priority is to prevent further cases.”
Special Pathogens Laboratory, based in Pittsburgh, has been hired by the Department of Corrections to conduct an environmental survey and provide outbreak response measures and medical management.
The first case of Legionella at the prison was diagnosed July 15, and the second case was diagnosed July 21. The third and fourth cases were diagnosed July 24.
“All involved inmates have been treated with effective antibiotics, either in the prison’s infirmary or at a local hospital, and are doing fine,” SCI Somerset Superintendent Gerald Rozum said.
On Friday, July 26, DOC officials tested water systems for Legionella. Preliminary results showed no Legionella in the prison water distribution system. However, the bacteria was found in the water from the facility’s cooling towers. Eradication of the Legionella from the water supply is under way.
Legionella is not spread person-to-person, so isolation and quarantine are not necessary. Prison officials have restricted employees and inmates from drinking water and have provided bottled water for drinking.
While water testing has always been conducted at the prison, such tests have been increased in frequency, and water treatment will continue as testing indicates.
SCI Somerset is located in Somerset County and houses more than 2,300 inmates. The prison also employs nearly 600 individuals.