Two infants diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease were probably infected during water births, Medscape reports.
Legionella, which is naturally found in warm water and is spread by inhalation of bacteria-containing water droplets, “can grow and spread in man-made water systems, such as plumbing systems,” the authors write. The use of a jetted tub rather than a disposable birthing tub, allowing the water to remain at 98.0°F (36.7°C) — “which is within the optimum range for Legionella growth 77.0°F–108.0°F (25.0°C–42.2°C),” — and using tap water, which is not sterile, increased the possibility of infection in these cases, they explain.
Get the whole story at www.medscape.com
