CANTON, Ohio — Canton City Public Health and Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital released a joint statement on Wednesday saying that the hospital's water system has tested negative for legionella bacteria.
The tests were made necessary after two patients tested positive for the bacteria in February.
The hospital underwent two sets of "comprehensive samples" of the hospital's water system, with both turning back negative results, according to the statement.
The use of filters on sinks, showers and other water sources has been lifted. The hospital had required the use of bottled water for drinking during the testing period, but that mandate has also been lifted.
Mercy Hospital says, "Routine testing of the hospital’s water system will continue as the safety of caregivers, patients and the community remains Mercy Hospital’s top priority."
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
*Editor's Note: The video above is from previous reporting related to this story.
3News' Monica Robins contributed to this story