It is understood the bacteria, responsible for a type of respiratory disease, was detected in two locations across the hospital. The first was in a shower in a hydrotherapy pool area and in a second shower, which is not often used by patients.
However, about 30 patients are believed have been exposed to the bacteria within the past 10 days and their families have been notified by the hospital.
So far there have been no confirmed infections.
“There are no confirmed cases of infection, and the risk remains low. The Royal Children’s Hospital has contacted all patients and families who have come into contact with the affected areas,” a hospital spokeswoman said in a statement.
The spokesperson noted that the hospital has closed its hydrotherapy pool to allow additional cleaning and testing to occur.
“Legionella is a common organism in the wider community, present in many water sources in the environment,” the spokesperson said.
“There have been no reported cases of Legionnaires disease in people under 20 in Victoria.
“Those most at risk include adults on immune-suppressant drugs, people with chronic illness and smokers aged over 50 years of age.”
Legionella bacteria can contaminate damp areas such as air-conditioning units or spas and can lead to a serious lung infection called Legionnaires’ disease.
Source: Legionella scare at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital
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