Buildings in Berks County, Pennsylvania, reportedly harbor Legionella bacteria, according to authorities.
Breaking News: Low Levels of Legionella Bacteria Detected at Berks County South Campus
A recent detection of low levels of Legionella bacteria at the Berks County South Campus facility in Mohnton, Pennsylvania, has prompted remediation efforts. The discovery was made during routine water testing in early August 2025.
The remediation process includes flushing the water system, additional testing, and the provision of potable drinking water and temporary bathroom facilities at the site. Despite this, the campus remains open, with no staff required to vacate during the remediation.
This detection follows a broader regional alert due to outbreaks elsewhere, particularly a severe cluster in New York City that began in late July 2025, resulting in at least 67 illnesses and three deaths.
Legionnaires' disease, a serious type of pneumonia caused by inhaling water vapor contaminated with Legionella bacteria, thrives in warm water environments such as those found in large plumbing systems. It's important to note that this disease does not spread person-to-person.
The Berks County facility had already experienced Legionella detection in June 2025, and authorities are taking precautions to prevent any outbreak. As of mid-August 2025, there is no indication yet of an outbreak or illnesses reported in Berks County related to this detection.
The city of Philadelphia holds a significant place in the history of Legionnaires' disease, as an outbreak at a hotel in 1976 sickened over 100 people and resulted in 29 deaths, giving the disease its name.
This information is current as of mid-August 2025. The article was published by our News Philadelphia, with Joe Brandt, a Temple University graduate and digital content producer for our News Philadelphia since 2022, serving as the author. The bacteria was detected during water testing at the campus located on 400 East Wyomissing Avenue in Mohnton.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
[1] Berks County Commissioners announce Legionella detection at South Campus, remediation efforts underway. (2025, August 10). Berks County Commissioners. Retrieved from https://www.berkscounty.org/news/2025/08/10/berks-county-commissioners-announce-legionella-detection-at-south-campus-remediation-efforts-underway
[2] Legionnaires' disease: What you need to know. (2022, June 24). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/info/disease.html
[3] New York City Legionnaires' disease outbreak: What we know. (2025, August 5). CNN. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/05/us/new-york-city-legionnaires-disease-outbreak-update/index.html
[4] Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York City: What we know. (2025, August 6). ABC News. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/US/legionnaires-disease-outbreak-new-york-city-what-we-know/story?id=93706573
[5] Legionnaires' disease: Symptoms, causes, and treatment. (2021, August 26). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/legionnaires-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354655
