UPDATE SATURDAY 5.30PM: LEGIONELLA bacteria detected in the water supply at Bendigo's St John of God Hospital poses "no risk to public health", according the the Department of Health and Human Services.
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The bacteria which causes the potentially deadly Legionnaires' disease, was detected in the hospital's water on Thursday evening.
A department spokesperson said the situation was being dealt with.
"DHHS is working with SJGBH to ensure a full chemical and thermal disinfection of the hospital's hot water system," the spokesperson said.
"DHHS is advised that appropriate precautions in patient care have been put in place by SJGBH, and that these precautions will remain in place until further testing returns an all clear result.
"This is an isolated case and DHHS is confident that all appropriate measures have been taken and that there is no risk to public health."
EARLIER: PATIENTS and staff at St John of God Bendigo Hospital may have been exposed to bacteria which cause the potentially deadly Legionnaires' disease.
A St John of God spokesperson confirmed tests showed Legionella bacteria was present in the hospital's water supply.
A patient at the hospital tested positive for the disease last week.
A statement from the hospital said it was unclear whether the events were related.
The hospital is treating the water to kill bacteria which may be present.
Legionnaires' disease is a serious and sometimes fatal form of pneumonia. Most cases are caused by the Legionella bacteria.
St John of God Bendigo said in a statement that the Department of Health and Human Services had been notified of the situation.
A spokesperson said the hospital was working with water treatment specialist Hydrochem to eliminate the bacteria.
"The team completed a full chemical and thermal disinfection around midday today and completed all steps that would be expected to eradicate Legionella," the spokesperson said.
The water will be re-tested on Tuesday. Test results will take 10 days to be returned.
Patients and employees at St John of God possibly exposed to the bacteria have been advised of the risk.
Doctors and other medical staff at the hospital have been briefed on how to test and treat patients suspected of contracting the disease.
Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include cough, chills, high temperatures and nausea and diarrhoea.
Legionnaires' disease cannot be transmitted from person to person.
