San Diego, California – Children’s Hospital San Diego has detected low levels of Legionella bacteria in one of its inpatient units, prompting immediate disinfection efforts. While the bacteria is commonly found in water and poses little risk to healthy individuals, it can lead to serious illness in vulnerable populations, including seniors, former smokers, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The discovery was confirmed in a statement to NBC 7, in which a hospital spokesperson said, “A low level of Legionella bacteria was detected in one of the hospital’s inpatient units. Legionella is a common bacteria found in water that typically poses little risk to healthy individuals.”
Legionella bacteria, which can thrive in plumbing and HVAC systems, spreads primarily through inhalation of contaminated water mist. According to Dr. Tom Csanadi, a pediatric medicine specialist with 30 years of experience, the bacteria can be present in restrooms of large facilities, including hospitals, and may lead to pneumonia-like symptoms in those affected…