Four cooling towers in our area have tested positive for the bacteria that causes Legionnaire's Disease

Crews began the decontamination process on Friday and say the process should last up to four days.

The Times Herald Record reports that a random test found the potentially dangerous bacteria in four of the towers at West Point. Although no cases of Legionnaire's Disease were found at the West Point Military Academy, the discovery is being taken very seriously.

Sixteen of the academy's cooling towers were tested after recent outbreaks of Legionnaire's Disease were discovered in New York. Out of the 16, four were found to have levels that exceeded acceptable levels of bacteria.

Crews began the decontamination process on Friday and say the process should last up to four days. Those who have been exposed to the drinking water at West Point, however, should not be alarmed. The water in the cooling towers that tested positive for legionella are not connected to the rest of the school's water system. The towers are used exclusively for heating, ventilating and air conditioning at the academy.

Because of the colder weather, officials at the school said that there is little threat of infection. Those who work or attend West Point are being told to use extra caution if they experience severe flue-like symptoms and seek medical attention immediately.

 

 

More From WPDH-WPDA