Legionella found in Australian hospital

A Queensland hospital has detected legionella bacteria in its water supply system.

The Harvey Bay Hospital, on Queensland sunshine coast, is disinfecting its water supply after a patient who died on April 20 tested positive to the bacteria.

A Queensland government spokesperson told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Thursday the extent of the problem was not known.

Patients at the hospital must now drink bottled water and avoid showers, as people who inhale the microscopic droplets of the contaminated water can contract legionnaires disease. Around 10 percent of cases can be fatal.

Queensland Health said warm temperatures and the build up of nutrients and microorganisms inside the plumbing system provide an ideal environment for the bacteria to grow. Endi