MyMichigan Medical Center Midland is working to filter its water systems after detecting low levels of Legionella bacteria.
In May, the hospital learned that a former patient tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease, prompting initial testing, which showed low levels of the bacteria in parts of the facility’s water system, a spokesperson for MyMichigan Health said in a statement to Becker’s June 18.
“Since the initial patient was identified, we have had no new confirmed positive patients or employees,” the spokesperson said.
“We are actively working with state and local health departments to keep our patients and staff safe and free from harm, and we have also sent a letter to those hospitalized between May 2 to 22 with information on next steps should symptoms arise.”
The hospital also said it will continue to filter and test its water systems.
While most people exposed to the bacteria do not get sick, older adults and those with compromised immune systems are at increased risk of developing Legionnaires’ disease, a severe type of pneumonia, according to the CDC. About 1 in 10 people who develop the disease die due to complications.
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