Long-term control of Legionella species in potable water after a nosocomial legionellosis outbreak in an intensive care unit

Environmental and patient-care control measures were initiated in response to an outbreak of legionellosis in an intensive care unit in 1992. The meas ures included maintaining elevated potable hot-water temperatures following superheating and using sterile water for administrations through nasogastr ic tubes. Legionella species remained below detectable levels in the potabl e hot-water system upon reevaluation in 1999. Nosocomial cases of legionell osis have not been reported since the outbreak.