Results from tests carried out on water samples taken from the supply network of a private clinic in Nicosia are expected to be released tomorrow by the State General Laboratory, as investigations continue into the source of the Legionella bacterium that infected a newborn currently in critical condition at Makarios Hospital.
According to Dr Michalis Mendris, microbiologist and physician with SHSO, no laboratory results have been received so far. He said the investigation remains ongoing and authorities are awaiting analyses from two locations identified during preliminary inspections by Health Services.
“The results will be announced tomorrow. The State General Laboratory will provide them. So far there are no results,” he said.
Focus on identifying the source
Dr Mendris explained that the aim is not only to determine whether Legionella is present in the clinic's water system, but also to establish how the bacterium reached the infant.
“What interests us is finding out how it reached the baby. We need to identify the source, where the highest concentration exists and which part of the network is most dangerous, so that we can understand how it was transmitted,” he said.
He noted that Legionella growth is linked to conditions within water systems, including stagnant water, unsuitable temperatures and inadequate maintenance of taps and pipes.
“When water does not circulate properly, temperatures are unsuitable or a tap is poorly maintained, these factors can help Legionella multiply to concentrations considered more dangerous,” he explained.
Not uncommon in healthcare facilities
Dr Mendris stressed that elevated Legionella readings in hospital water systems are not unusual and that responses depend on the concentrations detected.
“Healthcare facilities occasionally record elevated values in certain taps. This is not unusual. That does not automatically mean there is a danger requiring the strictest measures. There are guidelines, and actions depend on the levels recorded.”
Asked whether inspections point to a problem in a specific location or across a broader section of the network, he said findings often vary from one tap to another.
“In most cases, you check individual taps and find that some are affected and others are not. We see this in many healthcare facilities.”
New sampling planned
Dr Mendris said measures have already been taken at the private clinic and further sampling will be conducted to assess whether the interventions have been effective.
He described next week as crucial in determining both the success of the measures and whether the clinic can resume operations safely.
“Measures have certainly been taken and additional sampling will follow. Everyone wants that, including the clinic itself, because negative results would indicate that it is safe.”
He added that inspections and monitoring will continue until authorities are satisfied that the facilities are safe.
Newborn still in critical condition
Regarding the infant's condition, Dr Mendris said there had been no change as of yesterday and that he had not yet received a newer update today.
“Up to yesterday there had been no change in the condition. I have not been updated today, but as of yesterday there had been no change.”
He added:
“We are all hoping the baby pulls through and recovers.”
The newborn remains hospitalised in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Makarios Hospital.
Source: CNA
