A spokeswoman for the hospital assured the public the hospital’s water would be safe for drinking and bathing immediately following the treatment, which was scheduled for Thursday night.
Both of the patients who were infected have been treated and released.
Legionella bacteria is found naturally in the environment and can lead to pneumonia- or flu-like illnesses, such as Legionnaires’ disease. The hospital decided to flush and purify the water supply system to ensure the safety of the patients it treats who are susceptible to complications that lung illness can cause.
Correction: An earlier version of this story said IU Health LaPorte Hospital “had” to flush and purify the water when it was, in fact, a proactive decision on the hospital’s behalf. We regret any misunderstanding this may have caused.
More articles on Legionella:
5 steps to temper, prevent Legionella outbreaks
Iowa City VA fails to inform patients of Legionella problem
Legionella Bacteria Found in UPMC Presbyterian Water
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