By Friday afternoon, students reported that Hopkins Facilities entered their apartments to install hospital-grade showerheads to prevent the situation from impacting student health.

This announcement comes after an August 13 email documenting elevated levels of Legionella in AMRs I, II and III. According to the University, these residences received thorough treatment. Facilities installed hospital-grade showerheads in these buildings as well.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there is no known safe level of Legionella. The causative agent of both Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever, Legionella is commonly found in environmental water sources but can often accumulate to unsafe levels in unused buildings. In response to dormitories and office buildings sitting vacant due to COVID-19-related shutdowns, the CDC has issued guidance on how to minimize Legionella risk prior to reopening.

While Hopkins was unable to provide a written statement to The News-Letter, they directed questions to a Legionella update page on the University website. According to the website, Hopkins has been following public health guidelines for the duration of the situation.

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