Posted on 11/13/24
| News Source: WBAL TV
Baltimore, MD - Nov. 13, 2024 - Concerns about legionella bacteria prompted the closure of four Maryland state office buildings, 11 News Investigates has learned.
Some of the employees who work at the State Center complex in Baltimore told 11 News they're terrified, saying they started teleworking Friday and will continue to do so through at least the end of the day Wednesday, per an email they received.
According to Maryland Department of General Services officials, a contracted industrial hygienist discovered elevated levels of legionella at one State Center building during proactive testing that took place during routine maintenance.
Officials discovered elevated levels of legionella bacteria during routine maintenance at 201 W. Preston St., 11 News Investigates has learned. Further testing showed normal levels at a second building in the same State Center complex.
According to an email obtained by 11 News Investigates, the impacted buildings are 201 W. Preston St., 300 W. Preston St., 301 W. Preston St., and 1100 N. Eutaw St. The email also advised that teleworking could continue for longer, pending remediation and further test results.
DGS officials cited an abundance of caution for more testing, system flushing and sanitizing efforts at the four state buildings.
As of Tuesday, there were no reports of any illnesses.
Legionella is a serious type of pneumonia for which symptoms can include high fever, cough, chills, vomiting, diarrhea and confusion. According to medical professionals, legionella can spread quickly.
"It can cause a very severe illness that usually requires hospitalization and an IV with antibiotics," said Dr. Jonathan Thierman with ExpressCare Urgent Care. "Ingesting water is the source or breathing air that has microscopic water droplets in it — whether it's near a fountain or a pond or some water source — and you breathe that moist air that has legionella bacteria in it, you can contract Legionnaires' disease."
Medical experts said people with chronic lung problems or weakened immune systems are most at risk.
"Health conditions and a history of smoking, other respiratory illnesses also will make them more susceptible to catch — and not do as well — if they do get Legionnaire's," Thierman told 11 News Investigates.
While at State Center on Tuesday, 11 News Investigates observed a water delivery to one of the impacted buildings. According to the email, the DGS is providing bottled water and hand sanitizer to those who must report to work in person.