Secrecy, confusion surround Legionnaires' outbreak at Syracuse hospital

St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center has been secretive about a Legionnaires' disease outbreak that prompted it to do extra testing of its water system and make patients stop using tap water for drinking and showering. Hospital officials are also giving out confusing and conflicting information about the outbreak. The hospital issued news releases Saturday and Monday announcing steps it is taking to protect patients after preliminary tests found Legionella bacteria in its water system. That bacteria can cause Legionnaires', a severe form of pneumonia that can be deadly for the elderly, people with lung disease and weakened immune systems.