Newborn at suspended Nicosia clinic critical with Legionella; water network samples positive

One newborn baby diagnosed with legionellosis remains in a critical condition on mechanical ventilation in the neonatal intensive care unit at Makarios Hospital after being born at a private clinic in Nicosia whose operation has been temporarily suspended. Preliminary results from samples taken after the diagnosis showed the presence of Legionella pneumophila in parts of the clinic's water supply network, and the Health Ministry said the suspension will remain in place until further tests are completed and their results assessed. The newborns at the clinic were moved to other hospitals and further environmental checks have been scheduled. Zero other suspected or confirmed cases linked to the clinic have been identified so far, and the ministry noted the infection does not spread from person to person.