A isolated case of legionella has so far been found at the hospital.
”Legionella occurs naturally in water and there is always a risk of bacterial growth in large facilities, but for someone to become ill is unusual. The hospital is now collaborating with other actors to prevent infection and growth of legionella”, writes chief physician Sven Klaesson in an email to the newspaper.
Patients who need to shower are advised to remove the mouthpiece so that the water runs directly from the hose.
”The water is safe to drink but should not be drunk directly from the tap, but poured into for example a glass or a mug”, writes Klaesson further.
Legionella is a serious disease caused by bacteria, and can infect through water vapor, aerosol, which is inhaled into the lungs.
The disease is according to the Public Health Authority notifiable and positive test results must be reported to the infection control physician in the region and to the Public Health Authority.
Legionella infection is also a notifiable disease.
