Case of the legionnaires at BID Needham examined

Needham, mass. –

Massachusetts' health officers examine a case of health care for legionnaire diseases in which a patient is involved in a hospital in the Boston region.

Massachusett's Ministry of Public Health confirmed that the case concerned someone who suffered from the disease while being a patient at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham. Hospital officers also confirmed that they worked in connection with the case with the state.

No information was provided about the patient's condition or about how they contracted the bacteria.

DPH said it dictated the hospital in infection control.

“Legionella is a rare cause of the infection in patients. Most people who are exposed to Legionella do not develop any infection from it. We examine this case and continue to take all the necessary steps to protect our patients, visitors and employees,” said Dr. Sharon Wright, Chief Infection Prevention Director for Beth Israel Lahey Health.

The illness of the legionnaires is a form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets that are contaminated with Legionella bacteria. The bacteria are not transferred from person to person.

The symptoms usually start two to 14 days after exposure and can include fever, coughing and shortness of breath. Cases can be fatal if they remain untreated.