A newborn just 21 days old who has contracted Legionnaires' disease is fighting for his life. According to the attending physicians, the infant’s condition is critical, and he is being treated with mechanical support in the intensive care unit at Makarios Hospital.
READ ALSO: Newborn Diagnosed with Legionnaires’ Disease Fights for His Life; Next 24 Hours Are Critical | AlphaNews
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“We hope his condition will improve steadily. He is receiving all the necessary treatment.”
Charalambos Charilaou – OKYPY Press Spokesperson
At the private clinic in Nicosia where the newborn was born, the floor where the ward is located has been closed, with all other newborns having already been transferred to other hospitals.
SEE ALSO: The neonatal deaths that shocked Cyprus: When Legionnaires’ disease “struck” a private clinic | AlphaNews
“Pediatricians and gynecologists have been notified. Families have been informed, and if any suspicious symptoms appear, even the slightest one, they should come in immediately so we can run tests to determine whether or not the bacteria is present. However, so far nothing has been reported, and all hospitals have been notified.”
Michalis Mendris – Microbiologist
By decision of the Ministry of Health, the clinic is temporarily not accepting new patients. Microbiologist Mendris notes that everything is still under investigation, as results are pending for additional samples taken from the water system.
“To determine whether the water system is contaminated and how widespread the contamination is. Preliminary results showed high concentrations at certain points on the floor.”
Michalis Mendris – Microbiologist
He also revealed that samples were taken from the family’s home water system as well. Results are expected in the coming days.
“Samples have already been taken from the house as well, because it was during the incubation period, so we need to rule out the possibility that the microbe was also present in the home. Therefore, we are already awaiting these results. And we’ll have a clear picture of how to proceed.”
Michalis Mendris – Microbiologist
Regular testing
Emphasizing that all relevant agencies must always remain vigilant and that the necessary inspections must be conducted on a regular basis.
“All of this is done every year, and every hospital is required by law to inspect its network. There is a committee; companies come in to take samples, and we, as the ministry, re-inspect the hospital to ensure that all procedures being followed are correct.”
Michalis Mendris – Microbiologist
Clarifying that the Legionella bacterium is present in low concentrations, mainly in large buildings such as hospitals.
“In quite a few hospitals, it’s present in low concentrations, but these aren’t dangerous. When you test it, the system is safe. If the levels start to rise, then you must take action to bring the concentration back down.”
Michalis Mendris – Microbiologist
Measures which, according to him, are already being taken in collaboration with the relevant authorities.
Watch the report by Nasia Ioannou:
