Wisconsin hospital now has 11 cases of Legionnaires'

Outbreak appears to be linked to a decision last month to reduce water flow at the hospital during low-demand times


Eleven patients at UW Hospital in Madison, Wis., have developed Legionnaires’ disease, apparently from the hospital’s hot water system. Four of them remain in the hospital, according to an article on the LaCrosse Tribune website.

One patient died and six have been discharged or treated at outpatient facilities. The patient who died had been hospitalized for multiple, severe health problems and the death was not unexpected, according to the hospital.

Hospital officials  said last week that UW’s cases appeared to be linked to a decision last month to reduce water flow at the hospital during low-demand times. That can make the water system more vulnerable to infectious bacteria. Regular flow has been resumed.

Last week, the hospital extensively chlorinated its water system, a process called “hyperchlorination,” to kill the bacteria. Testing so far has shown the expected reduction in the bacteria, officials said Friday. Monitoring at multiple sites continues.

Read the article.

 

 

 



December 11, 2018


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

Protecting Patients from C. auris Through Bed and Mattress Safety

Managers face an urgent question: What happens when a colonized patient returns to a contaminated mattress?


Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center Tops Off New Acute Care Tower

The new acute care tower, designed by FCA, will enhance the hospital’s ability to serve patients by incorporating facilities and expanding its range of services.


Adena Health Finalizes Acquiring Fairfield Medical Center

Fairfield Medical Center will now be known as Adena Fairfield Medical Center, marking a new chapter for the hospital.


Every Detail Matters: A Patient's Story of Healing, Hope and Healthcare Facilities

In the Facilities in Focus season finale, 11-year-old Kendalynn and her mother share how Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital became more than a place for care.


Enhancing Safety at Hennepin Healthcare with a Screening System

Case study: The system was able to detect 2,500 risk items in less than five months.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.