Cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported in Bergen and Passaic counties – NBC New York (47)

New Jersey – The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is investigating a possible cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in Passaic and Bergen counties and is asking residents experiencing symptoms of the disease to seek medical evaluation.

Since Aug. 4, the department has learned of nine confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in neighboring Passaic County and one additional confirmed case in neighboring Bergen County. The onset of symptoms in these cases occurred between May 27 and August 1, 2023. Reports were submitted to the New Jersey Department of Health between June 6 and August 4, 2023.

NJDOH is working with local health departments in Passaic and Bergen counties to investigate these cases and any possible sources of infection. In late July, NJDOH alerted local health departments, healthcare providers, and other public health partners in the region about the high number of reported cases. Last winter, the region saw a spike in cases. Investigations at the time did not identify a common cause. The investigation is still ongoing.

“Early diagnosis is key to effective treatment of Legionnaires’ disease,” said New Jersey Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston. “Although the risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease remains low if you live in or have recently visited Passaic County or Bergen County, anyone who develops respiratory/pneumonia-like symptoms should see a healthcare provider immediately for evaluation. “

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by Legionella bacteria. It’s worth noting that the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are similar to those of other respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu. Symptoms may include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle aches and headache. If Legionnaires’ disease is suspected, only tests ordered by a doctor can confirm the diagnosis. Although Legionnaires’ disease is a serious illness, it can be treated with antibiotics.

Because symptoms can take up to two weeks to appear, NJDOH is advising those who develop these symptoms within two weeks of visiting Passaic or Bergen counties to seek medical attention.

Healthy people exposed to Legionella rarely develop Legionnaires’ disease. However, people over the age of 50, especially those who smoke or have certain medical conditions, including a weakened immune system, chronic lung disease, or other chronic health problems, have an increased risk of developing Legionnaires’ disease if they are exposed.

Legionnaires’ disease does not spread from person to person. People can get Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in mist (tiny water droplets) that contain Legionella bacteria. Spray water may come from cooling towers (for air conditioning systems in large buildings and industrial uses), hot tubs, cooling water sprinklers, decorative fountains, and plumbing. Home air conditioning units (central or window air conditioners) that are not cooled with water do not pose a risk for Legionella growth. In rare cases, people have also become ill when they drink water containing Legionella bacteria and are inhaled into their lungs (“going into the wrong pipe”), especially those who have trouble swallowing.

NJDOH receives approximately 250-375 reports of Legionnaires’ disease each year and works closely with local health departments to investigate potential sources of infection. Investigations can be lengthy, and identifying the exact source is often challenging. Any potential sources identified will be addressed and remediated to prevent further spread.