But six years ago , the scientists ' laboratory was closed by the hospital , which described it as `` not productive '' and `` a drain on clinical resources . '' 29 cases of Legionnaires ' disease have been diagnosed at Pittsburgh VA since January 2011 . The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has said it is investigating the possible link between a spike in legionnaires' disease, which can be fatal, and drinking water from a local treatment plant. Relatives of two veterans who died after contracting the disease blame the VA. Records indicate the hospital 's water systems were not properly maintained .
29 cases of Legionnaires ' disease have been diagnosed at Pittsburgh VA since January 2011 . The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has said it is investigating the possible link between a spike in legionnaires' disease, which can be fatal, and drinking water from a local treatment plant. Relatives of two veterans who died after contracting the disease blame the VA. Records indicate the hospital 's water systems were not properly maintained .