Safety

NYC hospital confirms Legionnaire's death

Hospital Safety Connection, April 27, 2005

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An autopsy concluded this week that a patient died from Legionnaires' disease while receiving treatment at a hospital in New York City.

At least two medical buildings that are part of New York-Presbyterian/Columbia Hospital appear to have problems with the bacteria, The New York Times reported. The hospital has ordered patients, workers, and visitors in those buildings to only drink bottled water and warned some patients not to take showers, according to The Times.

The medical center is also taking steps to sterilize its water and water pipes. In general, the cause of Legionella growth in hospital pipes traces back to water system operation and maintenance problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency's Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities discuss Legionella prevention and are available online here.

 



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