After three patients tested positive for Legionella, an Ohio hospital has resorted to bottled water for staff, patients, and visitors.
Legionella is “a common organism routinely found in the public water system,” according to a representative for Christ Hospital in Mount Auburn, who talked to FOX19 late Friday.
Legionella Cases in Cincinnati
It is unclear whether the individuals had Legionnaire’s disease, a dangerous kind of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
Legionella, discovered on the main campus of Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, is a bacteria that is most typically found in water, including groundwater, fresh and marine surface waters, and drinkable water, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Christ Hospital Health Network in Cincinnati said in a statement Saturday that it is “inconclusive where the patients contracted the bacteria,” but that in accordance with its preparedness policies, the hospital immediately increased the number of water testing protocols and launched an investigation. The hospital stated that the bottled water policy is being implemented “out of an abundance of caution.”
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Signs And Symptoms
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), persons infected with Legionella may develop Legionnaires’ Disease or Pontiac Fever. According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of the dangerous variety of pneumonia include abdominal pain, fever, cough, diarrhea, nausea, and other symptoms.
Cleveland Clinic advises you to go to the nearest emergency department if you have a high temperature, are having difficulty breathing, are coughing up blood, or are suffering from any neurological abnormalities such as balance, confusion, or speech problems.
Legionnaires disease, a severe form of pneumonia, can be caused by Legionella bacteria. According to the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Legionnaires’ illness can occur when people breathe in minute droplets of water or mistakenly swallow water that contains Legionella into their lungs.
Each year, health departments across the United States report approximately 10,000 cases of Legionnaires’ disease, but the disease is likely to be underdiagnosed, according to the CDC.
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