Legionella found at Princess Alexandra Hospital

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Legionella bacteria has been found at a second Brisbane hospital in three weeks. 

A strain of the bacteria was found in two ice machines at the Princess Alexandra Hospital during testing on Monday, according to a statement. 

The Princess Alexandra Hospital says there is no risk to patients after a strain of legionella bacteria was found away ...
The Princess Alexandra Hospital says there is no risk to patients after a strain of legionella bacteria was found away from clinical areas. Photo: Glen Hunt

This month, a palliative patient at Brisbane’s Wesley Hospital tested positive for the deadly legionella pneumophila disease.

The bacteria found at the PA was not the deadly legionella pneumophila strain and poses no risk to patients or the public, the hospital said.

“A strain of Legionella not normally associated with disease was discovered in two ice machines in non-clinical areas of the facility yesterday,” the hospital said in a statement. 

It said the strain found was similar to one found in garden soil and potting mix.

One ice machine had not been used for several years and the other was not in active use.

“As the bacteria were found in ice and not airborne, there is no risk to patients and the public.”