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Legionnaires' Bacteria Claims Second Life at NJ Hospital
25 Dec
Summary
- A second patient died from Legionnaires' disease at a New Jersey hospital.
- Legionella bacteria was found in the hospital's water supply system.
- 228 former patients were notified of potential risk after discovery.
A second patient has succumbed to Legionnaires' disease at St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey. Health officials announced the fatality on Wednesday, confirming it involved bacteria linked to the disease. This marks the second death at the facility following a similar case in July.
Both affected patients had significant pre-existing health issues. The initial death triggered a state health investigation into the hospital's water system. Results released on November 18 confirmed Legionella presence in one area's water supply, with the hospital notified on December 8.
Following the discovery, the hospital began immediate cleaning and treatment of its water system. A total of 228 former patients treated in the affected area between November 27 and December 8 have been notified about the potential for infection. Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
