Respiratory Bacteria Found in West Michigan Hospital’s Water
An area hospital has been cited for a bacteria that could cause another more serious illness.
The Barry-Eaton District Health Department announced Thursday that Legionella was identified in the water supply at Spectrum Pennock Hospital in Hastings. The Department was notified of a second case of Legionnaire’s Disease, the eventual outcome from Legionella, was found in one of the hospital’s patients in November. The bacteria causes Legionnaire’s, a form of pneumonia, that create symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headache and fever. Those that contract Legionella receive the illness from breathing water droplets that contain the bacteria.
The Department states that it is a serious illness that can be treated by antibiotics. The Department also stated that one in every 10 people with Legionnaire's die from the infection. The bacteria is commonly found in large, man-made water systems, including those found in healthcare facilities.
More information about Legionnaire's Disease can be found here.