Ice maker, sinks linked to Legionnaires' outbreak

UW Medical Center Legionnaires' outbreak may be linked to two deaths


The source of a Legionnaires' disease outbreak was located in the Seattle-based University of Washington Medical Center, according to an article on the Becker's Infection Control and Clinical Quality website.

The investigation found Legionella bacteria in an ice machine and two sinks in UW Medical Center's cardiac unit in its Cascade tower. 

Patients, visitors and staff have been instructed to not use drinking fountains on the unit, and the hospital shipped in bottled water to use in the interim. 

The water system could be off-limits for at least two weeks.

Read the article.

 

 



September 21, 2016


Topic Area: Infection Control

Recent Posts

What 'Light' Daily Cleaning of Patient Rooms Misses

Most environmental services workers still clean as if they were wiping dust off a countertop, not disrupting a living, structured community.

Sprinkler Compliance: Navigating Code Mandates, Renovation Triggers and Patient Safety

As CMS deadlines approach and renovation projects accelerate, healthcare facility managers must understand how NFPA 101, state fire codes and sprinkler design strategies intersect.

MUSC Board of Trustees Approves $1.1B South Carolina Cancer Hospital

Research and education are intentionally embedded in the hospital’s design, with dedicated spaces for scientific collaboration, clinical investigation and training.

Study Outlines Hand Hygiene Guidelines for EVS Staff

Researchers find that current guidelines for hand hygiene don’t include EVS workers and suggest indicators to fill that gap.

McCarthy Completes $65M Sharp Rees-Stealy Kearny Mesa MOB Modernization

The completed tenant improvement includes approximately 100,000 square feet of improved space across two buildings and represents an investment of $65 million.

 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.