The New Jersey Department of Health is investigating a possible Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Passaic and Bergen counties.
The health authorities are aware of seven confirmed cases of the disease until December 28. There is an additional report of a suspicious case under investigation. The cases were reported between November 9 and December 21, 2022.
At the moment “the Legionnaires’ disease risk among any resident or recent visitor to Passaic or Bergen counties It is low”, New Jersey health commissioner Judith Persichilli said in a statement in which she also recommends receiving immediate medical attention in case of presenting any of the symptoms that are similar to those of COVID-19.
Like the disease caused by the coronavirus, Legionnaires’ disease requires a laboratory test to be diagnosed.
This is not the first time such an outbreak has occurred in New Jersey. The state health department receives approximately 250 to 350 reports of this disease each year. While across the United States, the number of cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been increasing since the year 2000.
In 2018, health departments reported approximately 10 thousand cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the country. However, this number could be up to 2.7 times higher because there is a chance that not all cases will be diagnosed.
What is Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia or lung infection caused by a bacterium known as Legionella. People can get it from inhaling water droplets that contain the bacteria or if contaminated water accidentally enters the lungs.
Legionella thrives most in large buildings with air conditioning units that aren’t managed effectively, the CDC notes, though it can also come from hot tubs, cooling misters, decorative fountains and plumbing systems. Home air conditioning units do not pose a risk because they do not aerosolize water.
The bacterium was discovered in 1976 after an outbreak among people attending an American Legion convention in Philadelphia, hence the name Legionnaires’ disease.
Who is more likely to get Legionnaires’ disease?
Although most people who have been exposed to the bacteria do not get sick, there is a greater chance of contracting the disease if people:
- They are over 50 years old.
- They smoke.
- They have chronic lung disease.
- They have a weak immune system.
According to the Ministry of Health, Legionnaires’ disease can be life-threatening. However, most affected people recover after receiving antibiotic treatment.
What are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease?
According to the New Jersey Department of Health, Legionnaires’ disease symptoms take up to two weeks to develop and are next:
- Fever
- Shaking chills
- Tos
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Muscle pains
- Headache
unlike others respiratory diseasesthe most cases occur in summer and early fall although they can occur at any time of the year, the CDC points out.