Nicosia private clinic closed after infant diagnosed with Legionella

A 20-day-old infant is currently in critical condition, receiving mechanical ventilation at the Makarios Hospital in Nicosia after being diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease. The infection was identified shortly after the baby, who had been born at a private clinic in Nicosia, returned to the facility with symptoms. Following the diagnosis, the Ministry of Health conducted water sampling within the clinic, which preliminary results confirmed contained the bacteria Legionella pneumophila.

As a precautionary measure, the Ministry of Health has suspended the operations of the private clinic, and all other newborns previously hosted there have been transferred to other medical facilities. Epidemiological surveillance has been enhanced, and health authorities are currently conducting further environmental testing, including sampling at the infant’s home, to pinpoint the exact source of the infection. While medical professionals note that Legionella is not transmitted from person-to-person, the clinic remains closed pending the completion of safety evaluations and the assessment of final test results. No other cases linked to the facility have been reported to date.