Legionnaires' Disease Kills Hospital Patient In Ohio

GROVE CITY, OH - A patient at Mount Carmel Grove City has died from Legionnaire's Disease, the health system announced on Monday.

Dr. Richard Streck, Mount Carmel Health System's chief clinical operations officer, announced the death on Monday. He said specific details on patient's death would be withheld to respect the privacy of the family.

"Currently, we're working with county and state health officials to identify the source of the bacteria," Streck said in a statement. "We’ve taken several steps to protect our patients, staff and visitors, including implementing extensive water restrictions. We are running additional tests on water sources throughout Mount Carmel Grove City, and our entire water supply is undergoing supplemental disinfection. We're confident that we can safely maintain full services of the hospital."

The hospital system is working with the Ohio Department of Health, Franklin County Public Health and the CDC to determine where the bacteria originated. The hospital will remain open while the investigation continues. Testing of the hospital's water sources will take place over several weeks.

Patients who were hospitalized at Mount Carmel Grove City should contact their doctor if they begin exhibiting the following symptoms: cough, muscle aches, headaches, fever or shortness of breath.

"For most people, the risk of developing Legionnaires' disease is low; however, individuals with chronic, underlying medical conditions are at increased risk," Streck said.

Legionnaire's Disease was first identified in 1976, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The disease is commonly spread when people breathe in the bacteria, commonly carried in mist.

Most outbreak of Legionnaire's occur in facilities with complex water systems, like hospitals, the CDC said. However, most healthy people won't be infected by the disease, even after exposure.