Health authorities have not yet determined the source of the Legionella infection in a newborn being treated at Makarios Hospital, as the latest laboratory tests did not provide conclusive answers.
The investigation remains ongoing, with water samples collected from both a private maternity clinic in Nicosia and the family's home undergoing further specialised analysis. Results are now expected next week.
Further laboratory testing underway
Although test results had been expected on Thursday, officials were unable to establish the origin of the bacterium.
Speaking to state radio, microbiologist Michalis Mendris, a member of the Epidemiological Surveillance Unit, said preliminary findings are available but do not yet allow for reliable conclusions to be drawn.
He said analyses are continuing on water systems at both the clinic and the family's residence in an effort to determine the source of the contamination.
Legionella previously detected in clinic water system
Earlier sampling had identified Legionella bacteria at two points within the clinic's water supply network.
However, health officials stressed that the presence of the bacterium alone does not prove that the newborn was infected at the facility. Further investigation and more precise laboratory identification are required before any conclusions can be reached.
Clinic remains suspended
The private clinic remains under suspension of operations while inspections of its water system continue.
Its agreement with the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) also remains suspended following a decision by the Ministry of Health.
The suspension will remain in place for as long as the ministry's order affecting the clinic's operating licence remains in force.
Newborn remains in critical but stable condition
According to Mendris, the infant continues to receive treatment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Makarios Hospital.
The baby's condition remains critical but stable.
No additional linked cases detected
Authorities have so far recorded no other cases connected to the clinic, either among newborns or adults.
Mendris said that with each day that passes without a new case being identified, confidence increases that no further infections will emerge. However, the epidemiological investigation will continue until the circumstances of the newborn's infection have been fully established.
