LEGIONELLA IN A PRIVATE HOSPITAL - ITS OPERATION IS SUSPENDED - WHERE THE BACTERIUM WAS FOUND AFTER THE INCIDENT WITH A NEWBORN - ADDITIONAL TESTS AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE ARE UNDERWAY - Filenews 16/10
The competent authorities have temporarily suspended the operation of a private hospital in Nicosia, after the detection of the legionella bacterium in parts of its water supply network.
The tests were carried out after the diagnosis of legionellosis in a newborn born in this hospital and is now being treated in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Makarios Hospital.
According to an official announcement by the Ministry of Health, the preliminary results of the sampling showed the presence of the bacterium Legionella pneumophila in parts of the hospital's water supply network.
Following the evaluation of the findings, it was decided to temporarily suspend its operation, for precautionary reasons, until the additional audits are completed and their results are evaluated.
At the same time, the newborns were transferred to other hospitals, while additional environmental checks have already been launched.
The Ministry of Health also announced that epidemiological surveillance has been strengthened, informing the competent hospital units and paediatricians, in order to have increased vigilance for any other incidents.
So far, no other suspected or confirmed case of legionellosis has been identified linked to this hospital, according to the official information.
It is recalled that the incident in a newborn became known earlier today, with the Ministry of Health confirming to Filenews the transfer of the infant to Makarios Hospital and the taking of measures in the private clinic.
The health condition of the newborn is not specified in the ministry's announcement.
What is legionellosis
Legionellosis is a bacterial infection caused by bacteria of the genus Legionella, which can grow in water bodies. The occurrence of an incident in a hospital does not in itself mean that it has been confirmed that the infection came from its facilities.
Legionnaires' disease has a mortality rate of up to 15%, while in hospitalized patients it can reach up to 50% if antibiotics are delayed in administering.
There are two different clinical entities of the disease:
- Pontiac fever, which is a self-limiting disease resembling a flu-like illness
- Legionnaires' disease manifested mainly by pneumonia, potentially fatal in 5-30% of cases.
It is noted that it is not transmitted from person to person.
How is legionellosis transmitted
Legionellosis is an infection caused by bacteria of the genus Legionella, which can grow in water systems.
As the Ministry of Health clarifies, legionellosis is not transmitted from person to person, but mainly through the inhalation of microdroplets of water containing the bacterium.
The ministry assures that all necessary measures are being taken to protect public health and patient safety, with particular emphasis on the protection of newborns.
