An unusual spike in Legionnaires’ disease cases affected over 40 people in Middlesex and Union Counties, New Jersey between August and October.
The New Jersey Department of Health confirmed that 21 people in Middlesex County and 20 people in Union County tested positive for Legionella, the bacteria responsible for causing the disease, prompting an urgent investigation by state health officials.
Although no fatalities were reported, individuals experiencing symptoms similar to the flu and COVID-19 are advised to seek medical attention immediately, according to the health agency. The surge is significant, considering that only six to eight cases are typically confirmed in the region during the same timeframe.
Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia, displays symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle aches, and headaches. The bacteria are commonly found in plumbing, cooling towers, and hot tubs. It’s noteworthy that the disease does not spread from person to person.
With 250 to 375 reported cases annually, Legionnaires’ disease primarily affects individuals over 50, particularly smokers, and those with underlying health conditions, cautioned the state health department.
Moreover, the health department emphasized that Legionella outbreaks are often linked to cooling towers and plumbing. They stated that recent outbreaks were also observed in Passaic and Bergen counties last winter but were not traced back to a single cause.
Notably, Legionnaires’ cases were also reported in Trenton, Ewing, and other parts of Mercer County, leading to two fatalities in March.
The health department advised that air conditioning units in homes pose a low risk for Legionella growth, but cooling tower systems in public buildings, offices, and industrial spaces should be regularly maintained to prevent bacterial growth.
Due to the overlapping symptoms with COVID-19 and flu, laboratory tests are necessary to confirm Legionnaires’ cases, and it can be challenging to trace the source of infection.
“Early diagnosis is key to effectively treating Legionnaires’ disease,” stated Kaitlan Baston, Acting State Health Commissioner, urging prompt medical evaluation for individuals with respiratory symptoms, especially those who have visited Middlesex or Union counties.
The state health department further advised people who recently visited the affected counties and developed symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.
For additional information, visit NJ.gov/health or CDC.gov/legionella.
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Contact Spencer Kent at [email protected].
