A newborn diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease remains in critical condition and on mechanical ventilation in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Makarios Hospital, according to Michalis Mendris, a member of the Ministry of Health’s Epidemiological Surveillance Unit.
Speaking on the television programme Protoselido, Mendris said the infant was born at a private hospital before returning home. The baby subsequently developed respiratory symptoms and was transferred to Makarios Hospital, where treatment is continuing.
“The latest information I had was that the baby remains in critical condition and on mechanical support,” Mendris said.
He added that the newborn had been receiving appropriate treatment since the first days of hospitalisation, as doctors had suspected atypical pneumonia that could have been caused by the bacterium responsible for Legionnaires’ disease.
Mendris explained that Legionnaires’ disease is rare in newborns and that recovery depends on how the patient’s body responds to treatment.
Investigation into possible source of infection
Epidemiological investigations are under way to identify where the infant may have been exposed to the bacterium.
According to Mendris, inspections have been carried out on the water supply systems at both the private hospital where the baby was born and the family’s home.
He explained that the possible timeframe of exposure makes it necessary to investigate both locations.
Water samples have also been collected, with results expected on Wednesday or Thursday. These findings should help health authorities reach more reliable conclusions about the possible source of infection.
How Legionnaires’ disease spreads
Mendris stressed that Legionnaires’ disease is not transmitted from person to person.
Infection is usually associated with inhaling tiny droplets of water containing Legionella bacteria, making the identification and management of contaminated water sources particularly important for public health.
The bacterium can be found in water supply systems in hospitals, hotels and residential properties.
For this reason, monitoring and inspection procedures are used to reduce the risk of infection.
Particular care is needed for vulnerable groups, including newborn babies.
Monitoring and testing of potentially exposed individuals
Mendris said preventive laboratory testing of people without symptoms is not recommended as part of the current investigation.
Individuals being monitored will remain under surveillance throughout the incubation period.
If they develop symptoms, they will be advised to seek medical attention and undergo the necessary tests.
Advice for preventing Legionella in homes
Addressing preventive measures in residential properties, Mendris urged particular caution in homes with ageing plumbing systems and holiday properties that remain unoccupied for extended periods.
Water left standing in pipes can create conditions that favour the growth of Legionella bacteria.
In such circumstances, he recommended allowing both hot and cold water to run from taps for two to three minutes before use.
He also emphasised the importance of properly cleaning showerheads and taps, as well as following manufacturers’ instructions for appliances that use or disperse water.
The relevant authorities are continuing their investigations, with the primary aim of identifying the possible source of infection and taking the necessary measures to prevent further risks.
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