Two people have died and two others are ill from a cluster of legionnaires’ disease cases in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, officials announced Friday.
The four residents fell ill between 18 and 24 Aug Gust, but according to a release from the township, no other information about them was released because of the hippa.
“Legionnaires’ disease can be a serious illness, especially when the risk to our residents is low, especially for the elderly or those with dependent health concerns, ”Hamilton Township Health Officer Christopher Hellwig said in the release. “I encourage you to talk to your medical provider if you feel unwell and have symptoms such as fever, cold, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle aches and headaches. Legionnaires’ disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics, and it does not spread from person to person.
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by a bacterium called Legionella. It can be contracted by inhaling small droplets of water containing Legionella bacteria, which can come from cooling towers (air conditioning units for large buildings), cooling, decorative fountains and plumbing systems. Legionnaires’ disease cannot be transmitted through drinking water or home air conditioning units, according to the health department.
People over the age of 50, smokers or people with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of contracting the disease, including those with weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease or “severe conditions of other diseases.”
The New Jersey Department of Health and the Hamilton Division of Health were still trying to trace the origin of the bacteria that infected Hamilton residents and collected environmental samples from “selected sites.”
An independent laboratory was also taken to take water samples from the locations in the Mercerville section of the city and officials said they were working to identify any other potential locations.
“NJDOH and the Hamilton Township Division of Health are working together to identify potential sources of Legionella outbreak,” Edward M. said. Lifshitz, MD, MD, FACP, medical director, New Jersey Department of Health, said. “As this ongoing investigation, healthcare providers are urged to screen patients with community-acquired and healthcare-acquired pneumonia for Legionnaires’ disease, especially in Hamilton Township residents. This is important to ensure that patients receive appropriate and timely treatment. ”
Mayor Jeff Martin added, “Given the positive cases reported and Hamilton’s history with Legionnaire’s disease, our Department of Health was quick to investigate these cases and not just for a general link, but to our residents for continued contagion.” . “I thank NJDOH and NJDP for working with our staff to coordinate efforts to ensure residents stay healthy.” “The symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease and Covid-19 can be very similar, so anyone who experiences these symptoms should contact their medical provider immediately.”
Health officials in New Jersey announced last year that 22 people had been infected with Legionnaires’ disease and that five “older adults” with other health problems had died from the disease.
People involved in 22 cases between March 8 and May 13, 2019 who live or visited in Union County.
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Chris Sheldon can reach [email protected].
