ROCKINGHAM, N.C. – FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital (MRH)- Richmond is working closely with the Richmond County Health Department and other state health officials to ensure the safety of the hospital’s water system after a patient who was cared for at MRH-Richmond tested positive for Legionella.
FirstHealth staff immediately took proactive measures to clear and close the patient room and notify state health officials to conduct the appropriate testing and follow all recommended guidelines.
Water test results that FirstHealth received Tuesday, June 25, 2024, indicate that Legionella bacteria was detected in the water from the infected patient’s room. Currently, no other patients have tested positive for Legionella.
Effective immediately, water restrictions are in place at MRH-Richmond. The facility is limiting the use of water as much as possible while additional testing of the hospital water system takes place and the necessary treatment is performed.
The hospital will install medical grade point-of-use water filters in high-risk areas, use bottled water as appropriate and put in portable handwashing stations.
“We want to assure our patients and the community that while we believe the risk to be low, we are taking every necessary step and precaution to ensure the safety of the hospital’s water system,” said Christy Land, MSN, R.N., president, southern region and administrator, MRH-Richmond. “The safety of our patients, staff and visitors is our top priority. The hospital remains open and ready to care for our patients.”
Some species of Legionella bacteria can cause illness. It is not contagious and is not spread person-to-person. It is most commonly transmitted through inhaling aerosolized water in conjunction with water sprays, jets or mists from contaminated sources.
Legionella bacteria typically do not pose a risk to healthy individuals. However, people 50 and older and those with immunocompromising conditions are at increased risk of becoming ill.
This does not pose a risk to the community, and it does not affect the safety of the public water supply and drinking water. The public water supply is safe due to protocols in place that prevent back flows from facilities reentering the public water distribution system. Additionally, FirstHealth Fitness and the medical office buildings on the MRH-Richmond campus are separate from the hospital water supply, and the water in those facilities is safe for use.
Q&A: Legionella Response at MRH - Richmond
How did the water system become contaminated?
Legionella bacteria is naturally found in freshwater environments and can occasionally pose health risks to people when the bacteria grows and spreads in water systems of large buildings like hotels, schools and hospitals.
Is the city water system contaminated?
No, there is no risk to the community from the public water system. The contamination is limited to the site source.
Is Legionella contagious?
No, Legionella is not contagious and is typically transmitted from inhalation of contaminated water sources.
Have any patients been impacted?
Yes, one patient tested positive for Legionella and is currently being treated and is expected to make a full recovery.
Are there water restrictions in place at MRH - Richmond?
Yes, the following guidelines are in place until further notice:
- Do not drink tap water
- Use bottled water for drinking and hygiene purposes
- Do not use ice machines
- Avoid using tap water for washing hands as much as possible. While there is low risk for contamination through hand washing, staff are advised to use hand sanitizer when possible. Portable hand washing stations will be in place in the coming days.
- No showering
- Toilet flushing is permitted
Will the water system be treated?
Yes, a consultant company has been contacted to assist with treating the water system. We expect the treatment to begin within the next few days.
When will the water be safe after the treatment?
The water will be tested again 72 hours after the treatment to determine that the water has been decontaminated. The test to determine the water is safe is conducted by an outside expert company approved for this type of water testing. It takes 14 days to complete.
Are hospital services impacted?
The hospital remains open and ready to care for our patients.
Can food be consumed at the hospital?
Yes, in consultation with the Health Department, FirstHealth’s Food & Nutrition Services can continue to operate normally by boiling all water in food services.
Who is at risk for contracting Legionella?
Legionella bacteria does not typically pose a risk to healthy individuals under 50. The following list provides factors or conditions, which may put someone at higher risk of becoming ill:
• Aged 50 or older
• Current or prior smoking
• Chronic lung disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema)
• Immune system disorders due to disease or medication (e.g., those taken after a transplant operation or chemotherapy)
• Systemic malignancy (i.e., cancer)
• Underlying illness (e.g., diabetes, kidney failure, liver failure)
Can I contract Legionella from the dishes washed with water?
No, Legionella is contracted through breathing in a mist containing the bacteria.
Has the Health Department been notified of this issue?
Yes, the Richmond County Health Department was notified as soon as we confirmed the patient was infected with Legionella. FirstHealth has worked with the Health Department and the State to follow the established protocols for notification of those impacted and the process for decontamination of the water system.
