[DJ Taylor]

“What is it with Legionella and U.S. veterans?”

Legionella bacteria thrives in old, poorly maintained air conditioning systems, and VA hospitals are, for the most part, old and poorly maintained.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/legionnaires-disease/basics/causes/con-20028867

[caddie]

Yes, DJ, but you will recall that the first outbreak of Legionella was in an old hotel in Philadelphia... not, of course in a VA...

But you are right, a VA HVAC system would be perfect for growing Legionella.