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University Hospital's proactive approach to water testing allows for rapid response solution University Hospital infection control specialists routinely conduct proactive screenings of the facility's water supply in an effort to identify measured numbers of the bacteria associated with Legionella, which occasionally can result in pneumonia. Until now the results have shown normal low levels of this bacterium. A recent test of the hospital's water supply indicated the possible presence of these bacteria at a slightly higher level than the Centers for Disease Control’s recommended threshold. Although the microscopic traces found are not at an unsafe level and testing has not yet positively identified the bacteria as Legionella, officials have decided to utilize the most effective method of eliminating the bacteria by super-heating and flushing the hot water lines throughout the hospital. "Legionella is a common bacterium normally found in water, soil, lakes, streams, air conditioning units and hot water systems," said Michael Cooperstock, MD, director of infection control at University of Missouri Health Care. "We come into contact with this bacterium on a daily basis with no adverse affects to our health because of natural resistance. Individuals with compromised immune systems occasionally do develop complications. That is why we routinely monitor the water supply and use procedures to keep it at an absolutely safe level." Additional proactive steps that have been taken at University Hospital in the past to prevent the presence of Legionella include the installation of a copper-silver ionization suppression system in the hospital's water lines and routine anti-bacterial treatments of the facility's exterior cooling towers. The hospital will take a series of steps over the next two weeks such as giving patients bottled drinking water as a precautionary measure and super-heating and flushing the hospital's water system. The facility's water system is currently being reconfigured to prevent a recurrence. "The issue is still well below an unsafe level," said Cooperstock. "Although the presence of the Legionella bacterium has not yet been confirmed and none of our patients have been affected, we are taking the necessary precautions to protect our at-risk patients. Our tests are designed to pick up microscopic traces of bacteria well before unsafe levels can be reached. Because we've been proactive about monitoring our facility for this bacterium we have been able to act quickly on a short- and long-term solution." E-mail this page | | Print this page |
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