A cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases has appeared in the southeastern part of New Mexico. Since the first week of October this year, six patients from Chaves County have been reported ill with the disease. Two of these individuals– a 69-year old woman and a 65-year old woman – have passed away. The six who became ill were known to have other health issues that increased their risk of developing Legionnaires’ disease. The New Mexico Department of Health is working alongside Eastern New Mexico Medical Center to determine the source. The six known cases are among individuals who live in the…
Sinks and an ice machine at the University of Washington’s Medical Center in Seattle tested positive for Legionella bacteria last week; however, as of Monday, officials reported that the bacteria was also found within three CardiQuip heater-cooler machines at the facility. Heater-cooler machines are utilized during heart surgeries to regulate blood temperature. The machines tested positive for Legionella after an investigation was launched, following four confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in those that were treated there. Two of these patients have since died. The federal Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) reported 32 infections associated with heater-cooler machines within the period…