Remember during the pandemic when many providers turned their ice machines off for fear of spreading infection? Well, we weren’t wrong! Ice machines and infection risks in healthcare have been highlighted by reports of water-related organisms causing infections in 23 healthcare organizations in California and Colorado. Ice machines contain mechanical components that favor microbial amplification and biofilm formation. The use of ice and tap water for clinical care activities has been recognized as a potential route of transmission for water-related opportunistic pathogens, leading to healthcare-associated infections.

What’s interesting in the CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Burkholderia multivorans Infections Associated with Use of Ice and Water from Ice Machines for Patient Care Activities ― Four Hospitals, California and Colorado, 2020–2024 | MMWR (cdc.gov), October 3, 2024, is that most of the infections weren’t caused by ingesting the water or ice but rather through uses like bed baths and ice packs. The only known ingestion-related cases occurred during swallow evaluations when patients ingested small amounts of tap water.

The CDC recommends that healthcare facilities implement a water management program to limit the growth and spread of water-related organisms in water distribution systems, including ice machines. This program should identify all potential pathways of water transmission to minimize infection risk. During outbreaks of water-related organisms, it’s advisable to avoid the use of tap water and ice from ice machines in patient care areas.

What’s your plan? Are you performing regular water testing? Is your ice machine supplier supporting you with maintenance and precautions? It might be a good time to take a closer look—ice machines and infection risks in healthcare are not to be taken lightly. When it comes to the health and welfare of your residents and staff, you can never be too cautious.

Stay well and stay informed!