As West Chester University worked to eradicate the bacteria that can lead to Legionnaires' Disease from its campus, the university assured students and staff that activities and classes would go on as planned.
Hot water was shut off to several buildings at West Chester University after officials detected the legionella bacteria.
Classes started Monday at the suburban Philadelphia university.
"The Health Department continues to assure us that there is no reason to curtail any University activities," read a university statement released Wednesday. "As previously reported, bacteria were found in hot water systems of certain buildings. Those systems were treated this past Sunday and re-tested to confirm the effectiveness of the treatment."
Recent tests showed the bacteria in the warehouse, 220 E. Rosedale Ave. and Filano Hall, said the university. A non-Legionnaires' causing strain of the bacteria was also found in the E. O. Bull Center and one of the apartments in the Village.
Earlier, officials detected legionella bacteria in the hot water systems in Anderson Hall, Main Hall, Merion Hall, Messikomer Hall, Peoples Building, Ruby Jones Hall, Schumucker Science Center South, Speakman Building, and 13/15 University Avenue.
While officials said the bacteria levels detected did not cause immediate concern, they shut off hot water to the buildings for the weekend. The hot water systems were also super-chlorinated to kill the bacteria.
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"The University’s goal is to ensure that the campus environment is as safe as possible."
WCU said it would work with the water treatment company to reduce the risk of the legionella bacteria in the future.
Last month an employee at West Chester University tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease and officials found legionella bacteria in the cooling towers of some of the buildings. The towers were treated to kill the bacteria and officials confirmed the treatment was effective after re-testing.
The most recent testing results should come back within two weeks, said the university.
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia spread by bacteria commonly found in water supplies. Symptoms, which normally begin two to 14 days after someone is exposed to the bacteria, include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches and headaches.
