Deadly bacteria warning causes panic at Cerrahpaşa
A bacteria capable of causing fatal lung infections has been detected in water samples taken from various units at Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine.
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The bacteria 'legionella pneumophila', which can lead to serious lung infections (Legionnaires' disease) and even death, has been detected in water samples taken from various units at the Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Murat Dilmener Hospital.
According to a report by Mesude Erşan from Diken, Legionnaires' disease (pneumonia) is a rare but serious illness. It is transmitted through the respiratory tract from places such as air conditioning systems, whirlpools, and ventilation systems that use water where the bacteria has bred. The bacteria is generally found in public spaces such as hotels, hospitals, barracks, or offices.
It has been requested that patients who have been hospitalized for more than 48-72 hours and show symptoms of pneumonia also be evaluated for legionella. It was stated that in addition to patients, physicians, healthcare personnel, and other staff working at the hospital are also at risk.
A WARNING HAD BEEN ISSUED
The first warning regarding the bacteria was issued in writing on May 16 by the head of the infection control committee, Prof. Dr. Neşe Saltoğlu. According to the document, no cases of illness originating from legionella pneumophila had been detected in the hospital up to that date. However, the aim was to increase awareness and develop more effective diagnosis.
The aforementioned letter, which was sent to all units, also requested that legionella tests be procured for the hospital.
The second warning was issued on July 5 under the heading 'Urgent' by the acting chief physician, Dr. Yılmaz Keskindemirci. Like the first, this warning was also sent to all units.
Both warnings also requested that advanced tests be performed on patients with a fever above 39.4 degrees Celsius, a pulse over 100, diarrhea, or other listed neurological and additional symptoms. The letter signed by the chief physician reiterated that legionella tests needed to be procured.
Despite approximately two months having passed since the first warning and the ongoing risk, it is understood that the tests have still not been acquired.