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After initially detecting the presence of the bacteria in the water supply in 2019, Franciscan Children's has continued to extensively test its water, with help from the DPH and the CDC.
Tests regularly came back negative until Nov. 22, when two isolated areas on the hospital's campus tested positive for the bacteria.
The bacteria, called Burkholderia cepacia, is usually not harmful to healthy people, but poses a special risk for certain groups of people, including those with cystic fibrosis, according to the CDC.
Thirty-six patients at Franciscan Children's were colonized with the bacteria when the bacteria was originally detected in 2019. This meant that the bacteria was present but not making the patients sick.
In addition, one of the 36 was significantly infected to warrant treatment and recovered well, the hospital said in a statement.
The hospital installed special filters on all taps after learning the affected areas contained the bacteria, a hospital representative said. On Monday Dec. 5 the DPH gave clearance to bathe with the filtered water, although drinking is still restricted.
The two affected areas continue to use bottled water for drinking in the affected areas. The hospital with continue working the DPH and the CDC to determine when the restriction can be fully lifted.
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