Legionella bacteria found in limited areas at Presbyterian Hospital; risk considered low

Legionella bacteria have been detected in three limited areas of the water system at Presbyterian Hospital, according to hospital officials.

Presbyterian said it received environmental testing results Sept. 3 and immediately implemented safety precautions in the affected locations. Remediation is underway.

Testing indicates the findings are localized and do not affect the hospital-wide water system, Presbyterian said. All hospital services remain available, and normal operations and water use are continuing outside the affected areas.

The testing followed a positive Legionella result in a patient who recently received care at the hospital. However, officials with the New Mexico Department of Health told KOAT on Friday there is no definitive evidence showing the patient contracted the infection at Presbyterian.

The NMDOH was notified Aug. 24 and is supporting the hospital’s investigation by providing subject-matter expertise and guidance. Presbyterian conducted the environmental testing.

No additional associated cases have been identified, and there is no known exposure to other patients or staff, according to the hospital. Based on the testing, precautions and guidance from the Department of Health, officials consider the current risk to patients, visitors and employees low.

What is Legionnaires’ disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.

Dr. Ash, KOAT UNM health expert, said the bacteria can grow in large plumbing and water systems, including showerheads, hot tubs, water coolers and fountains. People can become infected by breathing in small droplets or mist containing the bacteria.

The disease is not typically transmitted from person to person, and drinking water containing Legionella does not usually cause illness.

Symptoms generally begin two to 14 days after exposure and can include:

• High fever
• Severe cough
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Shortness of breath
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Confusion or other changes in mental status in severe cases

Antibiotics can treat the infection, although some patients may require hospitalization or intensive care.

Healthy people are less likely to become sick after exposure. Those at greater risk include older adults, current or former smokers, people with chronic lung conditions such as emphysema or COPD, and those with weakened immune systems.

“Those that are most vulnerable are the ones that get the most sick,” Dr. Ash said.

Legionella is common in the environment, and investigators often cannot identify a definitive source in individual cases, according to the Department of Health. There is currently no indication that the municipal water supply is involved, health officials added.

Presbyterian said it is continuing to work with state health officials while determining whether there is a connection between the bacteria found at the hospital and the patient’s infection.