12 Aug 2013

Waikato maternity unit closed due to Legionella

6:18 pm on 12 August 2013

A maternity unit in Morrinsville has been closed to new admissions after Legionella bacteria were found.

The Waikato District Health Board says the bacteria were located in a shower head during testing at the Rhoda Read maternity unit in the Waikato town in July.

It says since 22 July, nine women used the unit: all have been contacted and none have reported problems.

The board says new tests are being undertaken and the samples will be sent to ESR with results expected in about 12 days.

It says the risk of getting Legionella is extremely low and the closure of the maternity unit is a precautionary measure.