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CANTON, Ohio (WJW) — Two patients of Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital in Canton have tested positive for the pneumonia-causing legionella bacteria after their stays at the hospital.
The bacteria causes Legionnaires’ Disease, a severe type of lung infection, and is usually found in hot water systems — like those used for showering — and air conditioning systems, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Officials don’t know how and where the patients were exposed.
“Canton City Public Health and Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital are working closely to ensure the safety of the hospital’s water systems,” reads a joint statement from the two organizations. “This does not pose a risk to the community, and it does not affect the water supply of the city of Canton.”
The naturally occurring legionella bacteria lives in fresh water and spreads through water droplets in the air, according to the CDC. The bacteria can grow in man-made water systems if they’re not properly maintained.
The hospital has begun treating its water system, installing filters on faucets and using bottled water “where appropriate,” as part of a response plan that started Feb. 7.
“The safety of caregivers and patients is Mercy’s top priority, and the hospital remains open for care,” reads the release.
Most healthy people who are exposed to the bacteria don’t develop Legionnaires’ Disease, according to the CDC. Those more at-risk are people age 50 and older, current or former smokers, people with chronic lung diseases like COPD, or people with immune systems weakened by disease or medications.
The disease causes pneumonia-like symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headache and fever.
It’s treated with antibiotics. Most people are expected to be hospitalized, but make a full recovery, according to the CDC. However, about 1 in 10 people die.
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