Newborn diagnosed with legionellosis at private Nicosia clinic

A 20-day-old infant has been hospitalized in critical condition at the Makarios Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Nicosia after testing positive for legionellosis. The infection was identified following the baby's birth at a private clinic in the capital. The Ministry of Health launched an immediate investigation into the facility, conducting environmental sampling of the water supply systems. Preliminary results confirmed the presence of the bacterium Legionella pneumophila within the clinic's plumbing infrastructure.

In response to the findings, the Ministry of Health ordered the temporary closure of the entire private clinic as a precautionary measure. All other infants receiving care at the facility were safely transferred to other medical centers to ensure their safety. Authorities have since intensified epidemiological surveillance and are conducting additional environmental tests to mitigate further risks. While screenings of the facility's staff and other patients are underway to check for potential exposure, officials reported that no other confirmed or suspected cases related to the clinic have been identified to date.