Manhattan, NY – Don’t drink the water, says New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell.
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The Upper East Side hospital has warned patients in its Greenberg building not to drink the tap water or bathe in it, citing possible deadly Legionella bacteria.
The restrictions came after a water sample found “trace elements” of the bacteria.
Water contamination led to Legionnaires’ disease at sister hospital Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in 2004 and 2005. Of seven people sickened, one died.
Yesterday, signs in English and Spanish were plastered all over New York Presbyterian: “Do not drink the water. Use bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth or taking medications. Do not shower unless you have permission from your doctor or nurse.”
“I haven’t had a bath for a week,” said a woman recovering from surgery.
Hospital spokeswoman Myrna Manners said no one is ill, adding, “It’s just a precaution.”
I am not an MD and check with your MD as to what action you should or should not take.
My understanding is that this bacteria is very common; especially in Hospitals and nursing homes that limit the high temperature of hot water to prevent burns. Hot water kills legionella.
What type of bacteria is this? Where does this come from?
Good thing it’s not copepods. Then it would be assur instead of just life threatening.
I guess everyone getting water filters ended up actually being useful after all.
Amazing how the Department of Health lets the hospital stay open and take its time fixing this. If the problem was in a restaurant, they’d be shut down immediately until corrected.
In Columbia and Miltstein in Washington Heights,only bottled water is allowed,and has been for several years.
For that matter Legionella is in many many apartment buildings and hospital as well while New Yprk Prebyterian is the ONLY one monitering and reporting it in the publin
kudos to NYPH