Preliminary laboratory tests have detected signs of Legionella in two areas of the water system at a private clinic in Nicosia, where a newborn contracted the bacterium. All healthcare services at the facility have been temporarily suspended, while the source of the infection remains unconfirmed.
Traces of Legionella have been detected in two sections of the water supply system at a private clinic in Nicosia where a 21-day-old baby was born and subsequently contracted the bacterium, according to Cyprus Health Minister Neofytos Charalambides.
Speaking to the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (RIK) on Monday, the minister said preliminary laboratory findings had identified signs of the bacterium in the clinic’s pipework. However, the precise source of the infection has not yet been established, with final test results expected in the coming days.
Charalambides confirmed that a decision had been taken to temporarily suspend all healthcare services at the clinic. The parents of the other newborns who had been cared for at the facility have also been informed.
No other suspected cases linked to the clinic have been identified so far, the minister said.
Health checks under review
The minister said appropriate measures would be taken if any breaches of the law were established.
The investigation has also prompted scrutiny of the existing inspection and monitoring framework for healthcare facilities. Charalambides left open the possibility of requiring safety systems to undergo certification more frequently.
The preliminary findings have not yet established the precise origin of the infection, and the authorities are awaiting the final laboratory results before drawing further conclusions.
Newborn remains in critical but stable condition
Meanwhile, the 21-day-old baby continues to receive treatment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Makarios Hospital in Nicosia.
According to the latest update from the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY), the infant’s condition remains stable but critical.
Further information on the baby’s condition and the investigation into the source of the infection is expected as the authorities receive the outstanding test results.
