Nicosia:Cyprus Health Ministry has temporarily closed a private clinic following the diagnosis of a newborn with Legionellosis. The decision was made after additional inspections and an evaluation of the findings.

According to Cyprus News Agency, a probe is underway, and authorities have collected water samples from the facility's supply system where the newborn was delivered. Preliminary results indicated the presence of Legionella pneumophila in parts of the system.

The affected newborn is currently receiving treatment at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Archbishop Makarios Children's Hospital in Nicosia. Other newborns from the clinic have been relocated to different medical facilities as a precaution.

Further environmental assessments are planned, and epidemiological surveillance has been intensified. Hospital units and pediatricians have been informed to ensure safety measures are in place.

The Health Ministry reassured the public that no other suspected or confirmed cases linked to the clinic have been identified. It emphasized that Legionellosis is not transmitted from person to person but through inhaling water droplets containing the bacteria. All necessary steps are being taken to safeguard public health, particularly focusing on newborns' protection.