[Sherman Logan]

Our newspaper's investigations also found that VA and CDC officials did not review water-quality testing records, which showed alarmingly high levels of Legionella bacteria in the water system dating back to at least 2007.

Something funny about this story.

Legionella makes people sick when inhaled, not when it's ingested. Most outbreaks are connected to HVAC systems, not water systems.

If the water is the source, it is probably related to being contracted while showering.

It's really pretty easy to control in hot water systems.

The disease is much more common than most people realize. It is often misdiagnoed as pneumonia, of which it is indeed a form.

[Hootowl99]

Whether inhaled or ingested, Legionella is pretty much related to a water system.

I ‘ve worked on one outbreak that was caused by non-engineered (saving $$$) modifications to a complicated potable water system in a very large manufacturing facility. Fortunately, there were no fatalities and 2 out of 3 cases were to cheapskates in the management offices instead of the production workers.

[Hootowl99]

I have worked one Legionella out break that appeared to be ingested, not inhallation, as it was traced to drinking water fountains. For the inhalation vs. ingestion mechanism, I think it can go either way. Inhalation certainly seems the most common route though.

[neverdem]

Legionella bacteria are naturally found in water and cases of Legionella pneumonia have been associated with aerosolization from cooling towers, evaporative condensers, misters, whirlpools, potable water, water fountains, humidifiers and respiratory therapy equipment. Rare cases have been attributed to aerosolized potting soil.

http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/articles/2012/04/experience-is-the-best-teacher-even-when-it-comes-to-legionella-risks.aspx