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

Seeking Standards for Microbial Loads in Healthcare Facilities

Why is there no binding standard for the acceptable microbial load on surfaces or in the air in hospitals?


UCR Health Unveils Plans for Major Expansion

The vision for the site will include an outpatient diagnostic center and possible future expansion.


High-Performance Windows Support Safety at UW Medicine's New Behavioral Health Center

Case study: Engineered for strength, quiet and daylight, the chosen windows help create a safe, calming and energy-efficient environment for patients and providers.


Central Maine Healthcare Dealing with IT System Outage

The organization identified unusual activity within their computer software, prompting them to secure and shut off all IT systems.


Kaiser Permanente Opens Newly Expanded Everett Medical Center

The facility offers primary care and pediatric care and has specialty care departments.


 
 


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.