Don’t drink the water, says New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell.
The Upper East Side hospital has warned patients in its Greenberg building not to drink the tap water or bathe in it, citing possible deadly Legionella bacteria.
The restrictions came after a water sample found “trace elements” of the bacteria.
Water contamination led to Legionnaires’ disease at sister hospital Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in 2004 and 2005. Of seven people sickened, one died.
Yesterday, signs in English and Spanish were plastered all over New York Presbyterian: “Do not drink the water. Use bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth or taking medications. Do not shower unless you have permission from your doctor or nurse.”
“I haven’t had a bath for a week,” said a woman recovering from surgery.
Hospital spokeswoman Myrna Manners said no one is ill, adding, “It’s just a precaution.”
(Source: NY Post)