Five people in New Hampshire developed Legionnaires’ disease after possibly being exposed to contaminated water droplets from a cooling tower.
Bacterial pneumonia, which is caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria, was found in five people between June and July, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) said in a news release Monday, Aug. 12.
An investigation found that all five people may have been exposed to water droplets from a cooling tower behind the RiverWalk resort in downtown Lincoln, NH, that tested positive for the bacteria.
“RiverWalk is partnering with DHHS to address the contamination issue, and additional test results for the cooling tower are expected next week,” the press release said.
The resort also confirmed in a statement that they are “working very closely with government officials” to remedy the situation.
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Legionnaires’ disease.
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“Upon discovery, our team immediately took the necessary corrective actions to kill any remaining bacteria per state guidelines. Based on preliminary tests performed by our engineer this morning, Tuesday, August 13, the remediation appears to have been successful,” their statement published on Facebook to read.
According to NBC News, four out of five infected people were first hospitalized and later discharged. All five people have recovered from the illness, according to the outlet.
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) noted in its press release that because the cooling tower is “still in operation while remediation is underway, there may still be some risk of public exposure, particularly for people within the pole miles from his location.”
Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan of New Hampshire advised that people who visited the area near the contaminated cooling tower should monitor for symptoms.
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Legionnaires’ disease.
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“People who develop a fever or other symptoms of pneumonia within 14 days of spending time in this area should talk to their doctor about being tested for Legionella infection,” Chan said in a statement included in the news release.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Legionnaires’ disease usually develops two to 10 days after exposure to the Legionella bacteria, with the infected person experiencing symptoms such as headache and muscle pain.
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By the second or third day, additional symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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Source: HIS Education