Bacteria that can cause a rare form of pneumonia was detected in the hot-water system at Cheshire Medical Center during routine testing this week, an official with the Keene hospital confirmed Friday.

Spokesman Matthew Barone said the South Building, which includes departments such as supply chain, environmental services and the mailroom, is the only portion of the Court Street campus affected.

The bacteria, legionella, has been part of the hospital’s routine testing for years, according to Barone. If inhaled or ingested, the bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, particularly in people who are older or who have other medical conditions.

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