CANTON, Ohio — Officials have released a statement after two patients at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital in Canton tested positive for bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease following hospital stays.
According to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, they are working to ensure the safety of the hospital's water systems after the patients tested positive. Additionally, officials say that it has not been confirmed where the legionella exposures occurred.
Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital told 3News that this does not pose a risk to the community and that it does not affect the water supply in Canton.
According to the CDC, legionella bacteria is "found naturally in freshwater environments, like lakes and streams. The bacteria can become a health concern when they grow and spread in human-made building water systems."
The CDC also noted that most healthy people exposed to legionella bacteria do not get sick. However, the following people are at risk:
- People 50 years or older
- Current or former smokers
- People with a chronic lung disease (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema)
- People with weak immune systems or who take drugs that weaken the immune system (like after a transplant operation or chemotherapy)
- People with cancer
- People with underlying illnesses such as diabetes, kidney failure, or liver failure
Below is the full statement from Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital and Canton City Public Health:
"Canton City Public Health and Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital are working closely to ensure the safety of the hospital’s water systems after two patients tested positive for the bacteria that causes Legionellosis following hospital stays.
It has not been confirmed where the Legionella exposures occurred. This does not pose a risk to the community, and it does not affect the water supply of the City of Canton. Legionella is a common bacteria found in the environment and in water systems, especially hot water systems. Some species of Legionella bacteria can cause illness.
Together, Mercy, Canton City Public Health, and the Ohio Department of Health are working through a response plan that began Feb. 7. The hospital is proactively treating the water system, installing filters on faucets, and using bottled water where appropriate. The safety of caregivers and patients is Mercy’s top priority, and the hospital remains open for care."
