By Gabriela Resto-Montero
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
UPPER EAST SIDE — New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell remained under a water restriction at its Greenberg building Tuesday, a week after water tests found trace elements of the legionella bacteria in its water supply.
The bacteria is not harmful to the general public but can cause certain types of pneumonia for people who are already sick, said Myrna Manners, a spokeswoman with the hospital.
"We don't want to take chances with patients who are ill," Manners said.
Until further tests return clear of the bacteria, all patients, doctors and staff at the hospital at 525 East 68th Street are restricted from using tap water and asked to use bottled water, Manners said.
The hospital has also cautioned patients with specific medical conditions against taking showers at the building.
Administrators have posted signs around the hospital and continue to monitor the situation, she said.
In 2004 and 2005, one person died and six others became sick due to water tainted with the legionella bacteria at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, the New York Post reported.
New York Presbyterian regularly tests for the bacteria, which is typically found in large buildings like the 14-story Greenberg structure, Manners said.
"This is a precautionary measure," Manners said.
"We really take the health of our patients very seriously," she said.
