Private clinic in Nicosia suspended after legionella case in newborn

A private clinic in Nicosia has been closed and its contract with the General Health System (GeSY) suspended following the discovery of Legionella bacteria. The action was triggered by the infection of a newborn, who remains in critical condition at the Makarios Hospital. The Health Insurance Organization (HIO) confirmed that no new admissions are permitted at the clinic, and current operations are halted while the facility remains under investigation.

The State General Laboratory is expected to release results on Thursday regarding water samples taken from the clinic's plumbing system. Microbiologist Dr. Michalis Mendris stated that authorities are specifically investigating two areas identified during a preliminary inspection to determine how the pathogen was transmitted to the infant. The ongoing investigation aims to pinpoint the exact source of contamination within the water supply.

Health experts, including Professor Zoe Dorothea Pana of the University of Nicosia, emphasized that while neonatal legionellosis is rare, the incident highlights a critical need for enhanced infection prevention protocols across the entire healthcare system. The clinic will remain closed until it satisfies all safety requirements, and its future status depends on the official lifting of the suspension by the Registrar of Private Hospitals.