Legionnaires source at Nicosia clinic to be identified by Thursday
Health authorities expect to pinpoint the origin of a legionnaires infection at a private Nicosia clinic within days, after a baby was hospitalised and new admissions were halted.
Investigators should know by Thursday what caused a legionnaires disease infection at a private clinic in Nicosia, microbiologist Michalis Mendris told the Cyprus News Agency. A baby treated there was diagnosed with the illness and is now at the Makarios children's hospital.
Testing found elevated levels of the bacteria responsible in the clinic's water network around the same time the infant's diagnosis was confirmed, Mendris said. The facility has stopped taking new patients while continuing other operations under tightened water-safety protocols, and families of other infants transferred out last Friday have been briefed on warning signs.
No additional cases have emerged so far. The baby's condition is described as critical but stable.
What it means for residents
For anyone using private clinics or living in buildings with complex water systems, this outbreak is a reminder that Legionella thrives in stagnant or poorly temperature-controlled plumbing — risks that are manageable but easy to overlook.
- Check your building's water safety Landlords and building managers should confirm regular flushing and temperature checks, especially in rarely used taps and showers.
- Watch for symptoms Fever, cough and breathing difficulty after exposure to showers, air conditioning or hot tubs warrant prompt medical advice.
- Ask about clinic protocols If you have an appointment at the affected facility, confirm whether your treatment is proceeding and what water-safety measures are in place.
This text is written from the source article and is not a translation of it.
