NYC Health + Hospitals officials said low levels of the Legionella bacteria were detected during routine testing at the hospital, according to Spectrum News.
“As part of our aggressive water monitoring program, our routine, required testing of our potable water supply found very low levels of Legionella bacteria at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi,” NYC Health and Hospitals wrote in a statement. “Per guidance from the New York State Department of Health, which regulates hospitals, we have taken steps to prevent any impact on our patients, staff, or visitors. Safety is always our highest priority.”
Legionnaires’ is a form of pneumonia contracted by breathing in water droplets contaminated with Legionella pneumophila. Each year, there are between 200 and 400 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in New York City.
Signs and symptoms of Legionnaires’ include fever, cough, chills, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion and diarrhea.
Steps taken to reduce spread of the bacteria at Jacobi Medical Center include using bottled water, installing new water filters on showers, and making packaged bath wipes for daily hygiene available.
Officials said the overall health risk is very low, and there is no risk to the surrounding community. Patients and staff have been notified of the finding, the statement said.
Source: WPIX 11 New York