Mayo Clinic in Florida reports case of Legionnaires' disease

The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., reported a case of Legionnaires' disease at its facility to the Florida health department, local news source News4Jax reports. 

"We are following CDC recommendations pending the outcome of further water testing. Mitigation efforts are underway to reduce the potential for exposure," the Mayo Clinic said Oct. 23 to News4Jax. "All measures are precautionary at this time as we have not identified an immediate risk to patients, staff or visitors." 

The hospital is currently testing its water system for Legionella bacteria.  

Sixteen cases of Legionnaires' disease have been reported in Duval County, Fla., in 2019, a decrease from 2018, according to the county health department. 

Legionnaires' disease is contracted when water droplets containing Legionella bacteria are inhaled, according to the CDC. Individuals with weakened immune systems have a higher risk of becoming sick. About 1 out of every 10 people with Legionnaires' dies due to complications. 

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