Legionella Bacteria Detected at Baltimore State Center Offices, Prompting Temporary Closure and Telework Shift for Employees

State employees working at the State Center complex in Baltimore are facing health concerns after routine maintenance uncovered elevated levels of the legionella bacteria, which can cause severe pneumonia. According to

WBALTV

, the discovery led to the temporary closure of four state office buildings. A contracted industrial hygienist detected these elevated levels at 201 W. Preston St., and subsequent testing found normal levels at a second building nearby.

Workers have since shifted to telecommuting to avoid exposure, and state authorities have indicated that this could extend beyond the initial projection of just a few days. An email circulated amongst employees advised that teleworking could persist, pending the buildings’ remediation and confirmation of safe conditions through further testing. Despite the bacterial presence, there have been no reports of illness related to the contamination as of the most recent updates.

Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) officials have deemed an extensive response necessary, prompting system flushing and sanitizing of the affected buildings. Dr. Jonathan Thierman of ExpressCare Urgent Care highlighted the gravity of the situation, as detailed by

WBALTV

, explaining that the bacteria “can cause a very severe illness that usually requires hospitalization and an IV with antibiotics.” Additionally, Maryland officials are ensuring the availability of bottled water and hand sanitizer for essential personnel required to work on-site during the remediation efforts.

Moreover, addressing potential risks in the vicinity, officials have preemptively scheduled further water shutoffs and sanitizing procedures for adjacent buildings at 301 W. Preston Street and 300 W. Preston Street. However, these buildings have not exhibited elevated levels of legionella. According to

WMAR2News

, the decisions were made “out of an abundance of caution,” underscoring the state’s proactive stance to safeguard public health. These preventive measures will occur later this week, with no reported indications that other buildings in the area are affected.

Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!