NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Health officials are investigating an elevated number of Legionnaires’ disease cases across Middlesex and Union counties, the New Jersey Department of Health said.
Officials said that as of Nov. 6, the state DOH has had 21 cases of sick people who tested positive for legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, reported. There have been 20 of such cases across Union County, and the tests were conducted between Aug. 3 and Oct. 24.
Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia (lung infection), is typically reported just six to eight times in each of these counties between August and October, the state DOH said.
“Early diagnosis is key to effectively treating Legionnaires’ disease,” Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston said.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle aches and headaches. The disease, while serious, is treatable with antibiotics.
The New Jersey DOH notes that these symptoms are similar to COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, and only tests ordered by a health professional can confirm the disease.
Symptoms can take up to two weeks to manifest, and the state DOH recommends anyone who experiences these symptoms within two weeks of visiting either county seek medical attention.
“Although the risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease if you live in or have recently visited Middlesex or Union counties remains low, individuals who develop pneumonia-like respiratory symptoms should visit their health care provider immediately to be evaluated,” Baston said.
It’s rare for healthy people who are exposed to legionella to develop Legionnaires’ disease, but people over the age of 50, particularly smokers or those with preexisting medical conditions, are at an increased risk.
Legionnaires’ disease is developed when an individual breaths in small droplets of water, or aerosolized water, that contains legionella. It cannot be spread person to person, the New Jersey DOH said
Cooling tower systems, often found in large public buildings, can release water droplets containing legionella if they are not well-maintained.
The New Jersey DOH is collaborating with local health departments in each county to investigate the increase in cases and any potential sources of infection.