Mount Carmel Health officials have traced the outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease at its newly opened Grove City hospital to its hot water system.
Hospital president Sean McKibben said Thursday the outbreak happened because of inadequate disinfection of the hot water system prior to the opening. A May 31st letter from the Ohio Department of Health notes the water lines were not re-tested before the hospital opened in April. McKibbin said a permanent supplemental disinfection system with constant monitoring and controls has been installed. At least 16 patients a have been diagnosed and one has died. One of the patients has filed a lawsuit.
