Source of baby’s legionnaires disease infection remains unclear as Nicosia clinic tests continue

Nicosia, Cyprus. Investigators have yet to establish where a baby contracted legionnaires disease, epidemiological surveillance unit officer Michalis Mendris said on Friday. Testing linked to a private clinic in Nicosia is continuing, with final findings now expected next week.

Water systems under investigation

Mendris said preliminary findings were available but did not yet provide a clear answer. Investigators were examining water supply systems at both the clinic and the family’s home, he said.

Authorities had initially anticipated identifying the infection’s source by the end of this week. Mendris said that timetable had been extended, with a clearer picture expected once analyses from both locations were complete.

He said the clinic remained shut while testing continued.

Baby remains in hospital

According to Mendris, the infant remains in a “critical but stable” condition at Makarios children’s hospital in Nicosia.

He said it was significant that none of the other babies receiving care at the clinic, or adults employed there, had been diagnosed with legionnaires disease.

Mendris said each passing day without another case was encouraging. He added that a few more days would allow authorities to say there would be no further cases.

How the infection spreads

The United Kingdom’s national health service describes legionnaires disease as an uncommon but very serious lung infection acquired by breathing in water droplets from sources such as air-conditioning systems or hot tubs.

Its guidance explains that transmission is generally not between people, but through inhalation of droplets containing the bacteria, which usually grow in artificial water systems.

Mendris had previously said several factors could allow the disease-causing microbe to multiply. These included seasonal stagnation within the supply network or unsuitable water temperatures.