The CDC reports1 that in its consultations related to "potential or confirmed transmission of water-related organisms in healthcare," the following were suspected as "plausible ... routes of transmission" in at least two investigations:
• "Injection/medication preparation near sink;
• Nutrition (including breast milk and infant formula) preparation near sink;
• Patient care supplies stored by sinks and toilets in intensive care unit;
• Contaminated water from [NICU] sinks;
• Contaminated water from operating room scrub sinks;
• Contaminated sink drains;
• Contaminated dialysis wall boxes;
• Use of nonsterile ice for patient care among immunocompromised patients;
• Use of contaminated water in dental water lines;
• Water introduction during respiratory therapy;
• Use of tap water during bronchoscopy procedures;
• Use of nonsterile water for humidification reservoirs of infant incubators in NICU;
• Use of nonsterile water and inadequate disinfection of heater-cooler devices used during cardiac surgery;
• Intrinsic contamination of medical products due to water contamination at production site;
• Poor medical device reprocessing procedures;
• Poor cleaning and disinfection of hydrotherapy rooms and equipment;
• Water from contaminated shower heads;
• Hot tub use by surgical personnel;
• Water contamination of specimens/reagents in the laboratory."
- Perkins KM, Reddy SC, Fagan R, et al. Investigation of healthcare infection risks from water-related organisms: Summary of CDC consultations, 2014-2017. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2019;40(6):621-626.
