The Ministry of Health has called in a specialist from abroad to assist in the care of the newborn who developed symptoms of Legionella infection. The infant remains hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit at Makarios Hospital, where his condition is considered critical but stable.
“And we must wait for the remaining results— the final results from the tests conducted on the day we learned of the positive case—tests we collected from multiple locations within the network, from all floors of the hospital, and from the infant’s home.”
Michalis Mendris – Physician in Microbiology / Member of the Ministry of Health’s Epidemiological Surveillance Unit
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Commotion in Paphos: Brawl between female students; one hospitalized
The final results from the State Chemical Laboratory are expected on Wednesday or Thursday. Initial laboratory tests indicated the presence of the bacterium at two points in the clinic’s water supply system.
“So far, no additional cases linked to this particular hospital have been identified. The investigation is ongoing to determine the source and circumstances of the contamination.”
Neophytos Charalambides – Minister of Health
The parents of the remaining newborns in the unit have been notified so they can monitor their children in case they develop any symptoms.
“The newborns who were in the same area as the newborn who tested positive should be monitored in the coming days, and this is obviously being done.”
Zoe Pana – Professor of Pediatrics and Epidemiology
Strict Protocols
Regarding the implementation of the prescribed control procedures, Michalis Mendris clarified that this particular clinic had carried out all the required checks, and in fact, the inspection took place about two months ago.
“For a nursing home to operate, it must have a written risk management plan for Legionella, a designated person responsible for Legionella, to conduct periodic tests—which most facilities perform more than twice a year—on their water systems, and, in the event of positive test results, to immediately implement the protocol.”
Michalis Mendris – Physician in Microbiology / Member of the Epidemiological Surveillance Unit, Ministry of Health
Water systems in older air conditioners, humidifiers, and any other devices that may produce droplets should undergo systematic and multi-level inspections.
Watch Eleni Michael’s report:
