Test results the Health Ministry had expected on Thursday have given no clear indication of the source of the legionella bacteria that infected a newborn, Phileleftheros understands. Samples taken from the clinic where the baby was born and from the family’s home will now undergo further, more specialised analysis so the source can be identified accurately.
The baby remains in a critical but stable condition at Makarios Hospital, Michalis Mendris, a member of the epidemiological surveillance unit, told state radio. He said it was significant that no other case had been found, either in another newborn at the same clinic or in an adult.
The longer it went without another case, the better, he said, adding that in a few more days it would be possible to say there would be no further cases.
Mendris said there were some preliminary results but analysis would continue, and nothing clear could be said at this point. They were examining the water networks of the clinic and the family’s home, he said.
“We expect to have the final results next week,” he added.
The clinic, whose operations were suspended after the infection, said it remained closed because tests on the suitability of its system were being carried out.
