Washington DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released a statement following testimony by the Department of Veterans Affairs Under Secretary of Health, Dr. Robert A. Petzel, concerning the Legionnaires’ outbreak in Pittsburgh.
“Dr. Petzel’s testimony today was troubling. It’s been reported both in the Inspector General’s report and in detailed press accounts that as many as six veterans died from the Legionnaires’ outbreak at the Pittsburgh VA. Dr. Petzel’s statements today are an indication that the VA is still in denial about what occurred and the impact this has had on the victims' families. This testimony also underscores the need to pass the bipartisan legislation I’ve cosponsored with Senator Burr that would require the VA to improve its infectious diseases reporting practices.”
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