“Recently, Legionella bacteria have been found in Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital’s water distribution system — within their private water plumbing system,” health department officials said. “The Barry-Eaton District Health Department has no reason to believe this situation is associated with the City of Hastings’ municipal water supply. Routine daily required bacteriological sampling within the city’s water system is being performed. Nothing of concern has been reported or is currently being reported in the Hastings municipal supply.”
The hospital tested its water Dec. 12 after a case of Legionnaires’ disease was confirmed in November. The results came back positive for Legionella bacteria.
Another Pennock Hospital patient was treated for Legionnaires’ disease in September, health officials said.
The hospital is using alternative water sources and water filtration to protect patients from the bacteria, and it created a hotline for patients or visitors concerned about the bacteria.
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