Newborn diagnosed with legionellosis at private clinic in Nicosia

A newborn baby has been diagnosed with legionellosis after being treated at a private clinic in Nicosia, Cyprus. Following the confirmation of the infection, the infant was urgently transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Makarios Hospital. As of October 16, 2026, health authorities have launched an investigation to identify the source of the bacteria, which commonly thrives in water systems, air conditioning cooling towers, and stagnant water supplies.

The Ministry of Health has ordered the immediate implementation of strict sanitary protocols within the facility. Authorities have suspended operations on the specific floor where the infant was previously hospitalized, and affected patients were relocated as a precautionary measure. While investigations are underway, officials have noted that the presence of the infection at a medical facility does not yet confirm that the source originated from the building's infrastructure.

Legionellosis is a severe respiratory infection caused by Legionella bacteria, which is transmitted by inhaling contaminated water droplets. It is not contagious from person to person. Currently, no official details regarding the infant’s health status or the specific origin of the contamination have been disclosed, and the investigation remains ongoing.