Mercy is reaching out to patients who have been seen at its outpatient cancer center, 2055 S. Fremont in Springfield, in the last three weeks. That’s after two cases of Legionnaires’ Disease since late April were reported among people who had visited the center.
The Missouri Department of Health and Seniors Services, Mercy and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department are working together on the investigation of the cases.
According to a statement from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, a Legionella species—although not the species usually associated with Legionnaires’ Disease—was found in water samples from the cancer center that were reported on May 31. That indicates conditions are conducive to Legionella growth within the water system. But the news release states that there’s no guarantee that was the source of the illness.
It reads, “Mercy has a routine testing and treatment protocol for water systems within their facilities, and they are actively following steps given to them by DHSS to mitigate this potential concern.”
If you develop symptoms of pneumonia within two weeks of visiting Mercy’s outpatient cancer center in Springfield, seek medical attention right away. Symptoms typically include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, headaches, confusion, nausea, or diarrhea.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia acquired by breathing in small water droplets containing certain types of Legionella bacteria. Legionella commonly occurs in nature and not everyone who is exposed to the bacteria will contract an illness, according to the health department. Risk may be greater if you are 50 years or older, smoke cigarettes or have certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system. People do not spread Legionnaires’ disease to other people.
