Legionella bacteria has been found in the water system of Sir Paul Boffa Hospital in Floriana during a routine check by Environmental Health officers of the Ministry of Health, the Elderly and Community Care.

All the necessary precautions were taken immediately. The Ministry said the part of the water system that was found to be contaminated by the virus was closed. The entire water system was treated even though the contamination occurred only in one area.

Legionella bacteria causes Legionnaires’ disease, which then results in a lung infection or possibly pneumonia. The bacteria are not spread from one person to another.

The water system will continue to be monitored with more samples taken over the next few days.

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