Two Legionella infections at the Indiana University Health LaPorte Hospital lead the facility to flush its water system, according to an article on the NWI Times website.
Hospital officials said they were unsure of the exact source of the Legionella bacteria, but that to be proactive the hospital flushed its pipes with chlorinated water. At least one of the patients arrived at the hospital already infected, the article said.
"Because this is a naturally occurring bacteria in the community, we took a proactive approach to purify the water supply system here, because we, like many hospitals, treat many patients who are susceptible to complications that lung illness can cause," said Stacey Kellogg, a hospital spokesperson.
She said the water was safe for drinking and bathing immediately after the treatment.
Silent Undercount: HAI Deaths Are Far Higher Than Reported
Ground Broken on Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital Expansion Project in Ohio
Tennessee Oncology Opens New Tullahoma Medical Center
Rethinking Carpeting's Role in Senior Care Facilities
Parkview Health Breaks Ground on New Hospital in West Lafayette, IN