Three patients test positive for presence of Legionella at The Christ Hospital

Three patients have tested positive for the presence of Legionella at The Christ Hospital Main Campus, The Christ Hospital Health Network confirmed.The hospital said Legionella is a common organism routinely found in the public water supply.The hospital said it is inconclusive where the patients contracted the bacteria. The hospital immediately initiated increased water testing protocols and began an investigation to identify any potential hospital sources.Out of an abundance of caution, the hospital has deployed bottled water for use with patient care, staff, and guests while additional water filters are being installed throughout the hospital over the weekend.”We have an extensive water treatment program in place and will continue to adhere to advanced safety protocols and guidelines in coordination with City of Cincinnati Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Health. We continue with normal hospital operations with no interruption to patient care,” The Christ Hospital Health Network said in a statement.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Legionella bacteria are found naturally in freshwater environments, like lakes and streams. The bacteria can become a health concern when they grow and spread in human-made building water systems like showerheads and sink faucets, hot tubs and large, complex plumbing systems.The CDC says most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick, though people at increased risk of getting sick include current or former smokers, people over the age of 50 and people with underlying illnesses such as diabetes, kidney failure, or liver failure.