GROVE CITY — Patients at Mount Carmel Grove City hospital, where there has been an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease, can now use the water inside the recently opened medical center.
Mount Carmel Health System said Thursday it has lifted water restrictions after installing new filters on the patient floors at the hospital. The restrictions were lifted on the top six floors of the seven-story facility, which include all patient floors, and hospital officials said they hope to remove restrictions on the first floor and lower level by the end of the week.
Fourteen people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease since April 29, the day after the hospital opened. One patient died last Sunday.
The hospital says anyone who was a patient at Mount Carmel Grove City and has developed cough, muscle aches, headaches, fever or shortness of breath should contact their primary care physician.
Hospital officials say the water supply had been disinfected. But they expect more people will be diagnosed with the severe form of pneumonia because the incubation can last two weeks. The first confirmed cases were identified May 30 and 31.
Mount Carmel says it’s continuing to search for a source of the bacteria while also looking at adding ways to prevent another outbreak.
Ohio health director Dr. Amy Acton says federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials assured her that the medical-grade filters being used have a history of effectiveness goinf baclk more than three decades.
“I am pleased with the actions of the hospital to effectively install and monitor filters that prevent the Legionella bacteria from becoming a risk to hospital patients, staff, and visitors,” Acton said in a statement.
Acton says she plans to form a panel of experts from public health agencies, hospitals and hotels, as well as others, to discuss the challenges of facing a Legionella outbreak and the Mount Carmel incident.
Legionnaire’s disease usually occurs in the water systems of large facilities, such as hospitals, hotels and nursing homes.
The Department of Health will also consider policy changes to improve safety, including hospital licensing procedures and standards, Acton said.