Newborn diagnosed with legionellosis in Nicosia

A 17-day-old newborn is being treated in the neonatal intensive care unit at Makarios Hospital in Nicosia after being diagnosed with severe pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila. The infant, born on September 26, was initially discharged but returned to the hospital with respiratory issues, where molecular testing confirmed the infection. Doctors reported that the baby is in a difficult condition and requires mechanical ventilation along with antibiotic treatment.

Following the diagnosis, the Cyprus Ministry of Health launched an investigation into the private clinic where the baby was born. Preliminary water sampling at the facility detected the presence of the Legionella bacterium in the plumbing system. As a precautionary measure, the ministry ordered the temporary suspension of the clinic's operations and successfully transferred all other hospitalized infants to different medical institutions.

Authorities have initiated environmental and epidemiological monitoring to ensure public safety. While investigations are ongoing, the Ministry of Health stated that no other related cases linked to the clinic have been identified to date. The clinic will remain closed until further testing and evaluation of the site are completed.