Authorities warned residents of Lincoln, New Hampshire, to monitor themselves for symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease after five people fell ill in June and July.
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services on Monday linked the outbreak of the bacterial pneumonia — which is caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria — to a cooling tower behind the RiverWalk Resort in downtown Lincoln.
“Anybody who has visited the area near the contaminated cooling tower should monitor themselves for symptoms,” Dr. Benjamin Chan, New Hampshire state epidemiologist, said in a DHHS statement.
“People who develop fever or other symptoms of pneumonia within 14 days after spending time in this area should talk to their healthcare provider about testing for Legionella infection,” he added.
The cooling tower has been sanitized and put back into operation after discussion with state officials, RiverWalk Vice President Renee Blood told ABC News affiliate WMUR.
“Out of an abundance of caution, additional testing will be performed later this week,” Blood told WMUR. The test results are expected next week.
DHHS said the cooling tower’s continued operation could mean further exposure risks, particularly for people within a half-mile of the facility.
“Anyone who is visiting the specified area should assess their health risk,” DHHS said. “Those who are older, are current or former smokers, have weakened immune systems, or have certain medical conditions like chronic lung disease and diabetes are at higher risk for developing Legionnaire’s disease.”
Symptoms usually begin between two and 14 days following exposure and can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The bacteria can also cause serious pneumonia, the stage known as Legionnaires’ disease. The condition can be fatal if left untreated.
DHHS noted, however, that most healthy people exposed to Legionella bacteria do not fall ill.
ABC News’ Victoria Arancio contributed to this report.
Health officials in New Hampshire have reported five cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the state. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria, which is commonly found in water sources such as hot tubs, cooling towers, and plumbing systems.
The five cases were reported in different parts of the state, with no clear connection between them. This has raised concerns among health officials about the potential for an outbreak of the disease in New Hampshire.
Legionnaires’ disease is typically contracted by inhaling small droplets of water contaminated with the Legionella bacteria. Symptoms of the disease include fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and headaches. In severe cases, it can lead to complications such as respiratory failure and septic shock.
Health officials are urging residents to be vigilant about the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease and seek medical attention if they experience any of them. They are also advising people to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease, such as avoiding exposure to water sources that may be contaminated with Legionella bacteria.
One of the key ways to prevent Legionnaires’ disease is to properly maintain and clean water sources that may harbor the Legionella bacteria. This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting hot tubs, cooling towers, and plumbing systems. It is also important to ensure that these water sources are properly maintained to prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria.
In addition, health officials recommend that people with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, take extra precautions to avoid exposure to Legionella bacteria. This may include avoiding hot tubs or other water sources that may be contaminated.
Overall, the recent cases of Legionnaires’ disease in New Hampshire serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining clean water sources and taking precautions to prevent the spread of this potentially deadly disease. By staying informed and following recommended guidelines, residents can help protect themselves and their communities from outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease.
