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Two patients at the University of Chicago Medical Center have been tested positive for legionnaires' disease, officials said Friday.
An investigation was underway and was limited to the medical center located at 5841 S. Maryland Ave., in the Hyde Park neighborhood, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
"The general public is not in danger," says a statement from the agency.
These cases were different from those of the two patients who had legionnaires at Mercy Hospital and Mercy Medical Center a week ago, confirmed IDPH spokesperson Melaney Arnold.
The individuals were patients at the University of Chicago Medical Center for some of the time they might have been exposed to the bacteria, according to the release. The two people also received care elsewhere during the same period.
They did not give more details on how they were exposed, and the IDPH said that after many tests, the water at the hospital n & # 39; Was not affected by the bacteria.
The University of Chicago Medical Center was conducting surveillance to identify other potential cases and to ensure appropriate testing and clinical management.
Last Friday, another Chicago hospital, the Mercy Medical Center, experienced a similar outbreak: two patients were infected with this disease, probably through the hospital's water distribution system located at 2525 S. Michigan Ave. , in the district of Bronzeville.
Legionellosis is a serious lung infection (pneumonia) that can be contracted by breathing small water droplets containing the Legionella bacteria. Legionnaires' disease is not transmitted from person to person.
The University of C Medical Center and its water management team are working with IDPH and the Chicago Department of Public Health to strengthen its water management practices. The installation regularly applies protective measures, such as flushing water supply systems and modifying or replacing plumbing fixtures.
Legionella bacteria are naturally present in the environment. Water containing Legionella bacteria can be aerosolized through cooling towers, showers, hot tubs and decorative fountains, and can cause diseases by inhalation.
Epidemics are most often associated with buildings or structures with complex water supply systems such as hotels, hospitals, long-term care facilities and cruise ships, said a statement from l & # 39; IDPH.
The bacteria can become a health problem when it grows and spreads in artificial water systems, such as hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large systems. plumbing and decorative fountains.
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