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A private clinic in Nicosia has suspended operations after health authorities detected Legionella bacteria in its water supply during checks linked to a case of Legionnaires’ disease in a newborn. The infant is receiving treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit at Makarios Hospital. All other newborns who had been at the clinic were moved to different hospitals.
The Ministry of Health said samples taken from the clinic’s water system showed the presence of Legionella pneumophila at certain points. Officials decided to halt the clinic’s activities as a precaution until further tests are finished and the results reviewed. Authorities have also stepped up monitoring and alerted hospital units and paediatricians across the island. So far no additional suspected or confirmed cases connected to the clinic have been found. The ministry stressed that every step is being taken to safeguard public health, with special attention given to newborns.
Legionnaires’ disease results from infection with Legionella bacteria. People usually become ill by breathing in fine water droplets that carry the organism. The bacteria can enter building water systems when conditions allow them to multiply, such as in warm standing water inside pipes, tanks or devices that create mist. The illness does not spread from one person to another.
Newborns face higher risk because their immune systems are still developing and they are more vulnerable to severe respiratory infection. Adults can also contract the disease, particularly older people or those with weakened immunity, though healthy adults often experience milder symptoms or none at all.
Cyprus health officials apply strict rules in such cases because of a previous outbreak at Hippocrateon Private Hospital in Nicosia in December 2008. Then, 11 newborns developed Legionnaires’ disease after exposure linked to a contaminated cold-mist ultrasonic humidifier in the nursery and sections of the water network. Three of the infants died. The episode prompted public anger, temporary closure of the maternity ward and court action against hospital managers and doctors over failures in maintenance. That history shapes the rapid response seen today whenever Legionella appears in a healthcare or nursery setting.
