Legionella Found At 3 Baltimore Courthouses, City Urges Closures

BALTIMORE, MD — The water systems at three Baltimore courthouses have tested positive for Legionella, a bacteria that can cause a serious type of pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease.

According to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, precautionary testing was done at the Baltimore City District (People's) Courthouse at 501 E. Fayette St., Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. Courthouse at 100 N. Calvert St., and Elijah E. Cummings Courthouse at 111 N. Calvert St.

The testing was ordered on Dec. 2 and city officials received the results on Thursday and Friday, Scott said. The results indicated elevated levels of Legionella bacteria at all three facilities.

The city recommended that all three courthouses close so workers can conduct cleaning, system maintenance, and other mitigation efforts to address the presence of the bacteria.

"While the Maryland Department of Health does not require closure, the City is making this recommendation out of an abundance of caution," Scott said. "District Judge leadership and the Court Administrator responsible for operating the impacted courthouses will make the ultimate decision regarding closure."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Legionella is a bacteria that spreads through water systems and devices. The bacteria enters the human body by breathing in droplets or swallowing water into the lungs.

Legionella bacteria can cause a serious type of pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease. It usually takes 2 to 14 days after exposure to Legionella bacteria to develop Legionnaires' disease symptoms. Symptoms include cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches and shortness of breath.

Most healthy people exposed to Legionella don't get sick. People at increased risk of getting sick include current or former smokers, people 50 years or older, and people with specific health issues or conditions.

This testing was conducted after concerns were raised about the presence of Legionella at other state and federal government facilities in downtown Baltimore.

Earlier this month, several state office buildings in Baltimore’s State Center complex temporarily shut down after Legionella bacteria was detected in the water system, according to multiple reports citing officials.

The affected buildings are located at 201 W. Preston St., 301 W. Preston St. and 1100 N. Eutaw St. The buildings house the departments of health, labor, general services, and budget and management.