As of Friday, elevated levels of legionella bacteria have prompted the early closure of Baltimore's City Hall and two other downtown government buildings. According to a WMAR2 News report, Legionella, the bacterium responsible for Legionnaires' disease, has been detected at City Hall and the Abel Wolman Municipal Building. Despite awaiting test results, a preemptive cleaning is also set for the Benton Building at 410 E. Fayette Street.
The closures come after a recent incident where Legionella led to a temporary shutdown of other city properties for cleaning, including circuit courthouses and the State Center. The maintenance response includes flushing and chlorination measures to address the bacterial presence. These actions are "being done out of an abundance of caution," as stated in a press release reported by WMAR2 News. And as yet, no reported cases of Legionnaires' disease have been reported.
In a proactive move, water testing at the Benton Building commenced on December 18, with the city expecting results by January 5. Mayor Brandon Scott's office underlined the preventive nature of the steps being taken, "The City is moving forward with cleaning, system maintenance, and other mitigation efforts, including flushing and chlorination, to address the presence of legionella bacteria in these buildings, beginning this afternoon," according to a statement sourced by FOX Baltimore.
Department of Public Works (DPW) keenly monitors chlorine levels in the affected buildings' water systems. Preliminary findings indicate that the chlorine residual is sufficient to prevent bacteria growth. Despite the confirmed presence of legionella, the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) has not linked any cases of Legionnaires' disease to this incidence. A vigilant watch remains, with the BCHD prepared to manage potential concerns in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Health as the situation develops.
