Baltimore State Center complex cleared of legionella bacteria

BALTIMORE -- The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) announced on Friday that the State Center building at 301 West Preston Street has been cleared of Legionella bacteria. This follows previous reports from the Baltimore City Mayor's Office in December 2024, which indicated elevated levels of Legionella in several city buildings, including City Hall and three courthouses.

As a precaution, the State Center was closed to implement necessary mitigation efforts aimed at treating the water. During this time, similar actions were taken in the affected buildings to ensure public safety. The mitigation process involved flushing and chlorination treatments to eliminate any presence of the bacteria.

On December 23, a hygienist conducted re-tests of the water system at the State Center. The DGS reported that all samples were within normal limits, confirming the effectiveness of the treatment measures. Consequently, the building is now open and operational with no water restrictions in place.

Legionella is a bacteria responsible for illnesses like Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Infection typically occurs through inhaling mist or vapor from contaminated water sources, rather than through person-to-person contact.

The successful clearance of Legionella from the State Center marks an important step in ensuring the safety of public facilities in Baltimore, allowing services to continue without interruption.