Long-term control of Legionella species in potable water after a nosocomial legionellosis outbreak in an intensive care unit.
Environmental and patient-care control measures were initiated in response to an outbreak of legionellosis in an intensive care unit in 1992. The measures included maintaining elevated potable hot-water temperatures following superheating and using sterile water for administrations through nasogastric tubes. Legionella species remained below detectable levels in the potable hot-water system upon reevaluation in 1999. Nosocomial cases of legionellosis have not been reported since the outbreak.
Borau
J
J
Department of Epidemiology, Albany Medical Center, New York 12208, USA.
Czap
R T
RT
Strellrecht
K A
KA
Venezia
R A
RA
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D017743:Equipment Reuse; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007875:Legionella / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D007876:Legionellosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013242:Sterilization; D013696:Temperature; D014881:Water Supply