Water tests conducted at Missoula, Mont.-based St. Patrick Hospital revealed the presence of Legionella bacteria. The tests were prompted after providers identified a case of Legionnaires' in a patient who may have contracted the illness at the hospital, according to NBC Montana.
The hospital is working to eliminate the bacteria from the water supply and installing medical-grade water filters on faucets and shower heads. Josh Christensen, MD, infectious diseases physician at St. Patrick Hospital, told KPAX the infection risk to patients is low and said he doesn't expect to see further patient complications related to the bacteria.
"My wife and I are having a baby next week, and we're going to have him here at the hospital," Dr. Christensen told KPAX. "I don't have any concern."
The CDC is reportedly working with the hospital to address the issue, according to NBC Montana. The infected patient's identify has not been disclosed.
Legionnaires' is a virulent form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. It is not transmitted via person-to-person contact, but rather through the inhalation of small droplets of contaminated water.
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