The water supply network of a private maternity clinic in Nicosia is under examination by the authorities, after indications of legionella were found at two points in the system. The search for the source of infection of the newborn being treated at Makarios Hospital continues, while the case has brought the issue of preventive checks and the protection of vulnerable patients back into focus. New laboratory results are expected this week.
Testing protocol for high-priority facilities
Speaking to Politis, the Head of Health Services, Herodotos Herodotou, said that a legionella testing protocol is being applied to high-priority facilities in cooperation with the State General Laboratory.
These include hospitals, care homes, hotels, army camps and recruit training centres, where checks are carried out before conscripts enlist.
Sampling at the clinic and family home
As part of this programme, samples were taken at the clinic on 7 October, before the case was identified. The results coincided with the diagnosis.
New samples were then taken both at the clinic and at the family’s home, as the baby had returned there after birth. The results are expected on Wednesday or Thursday at the latest.
Measures taken
Mr Herodotou explained that after the case was identified, a risk assessment was carried out and measures were taken.
- The Ministry of Health temporarily suspended the clinic’s services
- Parents of other newborns were informed
- Instructions were given to the relevant units and to paediatricians to identify any possible cases
How legionella is prevented
According to Mr Herodotou, prevention requires regular maintenance of water networks, chlorine monitoring, cleaning of filters and dealing with leaks and stagnant water. Legionella thrives at temperatures of 20 to 45 degrees Celsius.
He clarified that household split-unit air conditioners are not a source of transmission, unlike installations that can spread droplets of contaminated water.
Six-monthly checks recommended
Earlier, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides had stated that every hospital must have a programme for the prevention and monitoring of its water networks, along with a person responsible for implementing it, and that checks every six months are recommended.
More frequent safety certification, currently required every two years, is also being considered. The question now is whether all required procedures were followed at the clinic concerned.
Detection does not prove the source
However, detecting the bacterium does not in itself prove the origin of the infection. As microbiologist Michalis Mendris explained, its concentration in the water is of particular importance.
Professor of Paediatrics and Epidemiology Zoi Dorothea Pana highlighted the need to monitor the other newbornswho were at the clinic, given the incubation period of around two weeks. She also stressed the need for infection control committees to function effectively.
The newborn’s condition
The newborn remains in hospital at Makarios Hospital in critical but stable condition, on mechanical support and with the assistance of a specialist from abroad.
