A 20-day-old newborn diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease remains in critical condition, with doctors closely monitoring the infant’s health.
According to the latest update from State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY) spokesperson Charalambos Charilaou, the infant remains on mechanical ventilation in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Makarios Hospital, receiving all appropriate medical treatment.
“According to the treating physicians, the infant’s condition is considered critical,” he said.
The newborn was initially diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease at a private hospital in Nicosia before being transferred to Makarios Hospital for treatment.
Legionella bacteria detected in hospital water system
Following the detection of the case, the Ministry of Health launched an investigation, conducting inspections and collecting samples from the water supply system of the hospital where the infant was born.
Preliminary results revealed the presence of the Legionella pneumophila bacterium at several points in the water supply network.
After evaluating the findings, authorities decided to temporarily suspend the hospital’s operations as a precautionary measure, pending further inspections and assessment of the results.
Meanwhile, newborns were transferred to other hospitals, and epidemiological surveillance was intensified, with relevant hospital departments and paediatricians informed of the situation.
According to the Ministry of Health’s previous update, no other suspected or confirmed cases linked to the hospital had been identified.
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