Sassari University Hospital detects Legionella in water network

The Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (AOU) of Sassari has reported the detection of Legionella bacteria in the water network of its Oncohematology department. The hospital administration stated that no cases of legionellosis acquired during hospital stays have been detected to date, noting that previous cases in the facility were linked to community infections rather than hospital stays.

As a precaution, the hospital has temporarily limited water use in the affected areas and activated emergency protocols. The AOU has hired a specialized company for water disinfection and is conducting additional microbiological testing through its own laboratories. The administration emphasized that the presence of the bacteria in water does not automatically equate to the presence of the disease.

Meanwhile, a patient undergoing chemotherapy in the hematology department has raised concerns regarding the risks to immunocompromised individuals. The patient reported being forced to use bottled water for hygiene due to the restrictions and expressed distress over the potential for secondary infections while receiving treatment. Regional Councilor Francesca Masala has called for clarification regarding when the contamination was identified and what specific remediation measures are being implemented to ensure patient safety.