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The cases were reported to the Department between February 3 and February 26, 2021.
The Department is working with the local health departments in Union County to investigate this cluster.
“This is a continuing investigation. The risk to anyone who lives in Union County is very small,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “Out of an abundance of caution, the Department recommends that individuals who live in Union County who become ill with pneumonia-like/respiratory symptoms, such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and headache visit their healthcare provider.”
As it can take up to two weeks for symptoms to develop, NJDOH recommends that those who develop symptoms within two weeks of being in Union County also seek medical attention. NJDOH has alerted healthcare providers in the area.
The risk of Legionnaires’ disease among residents or recent visitors to Union County is low. Most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not develop Legionnaires’ disease. People over the age of 50, especially those who smoke cigarettes, or those with certain medical conditions, including weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease, or other chronic health conditions, are at increased risk for Legionnaires’ disease. Legionnaires’ disease is treatable with antibiotics.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by bacteria called Legionella. People can get Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in aerosolized (small droplets) water containing Legionella bacteria. Aerosolized water can come from cooling towers (air-conditioning units for large buildings), hot tubs, cooling misters, decorative fountains, and plumbing systems. Less commonly, people can get sick by aspiration of tap water containing Legionella. This happens when water accidentally goes into the lungs while drinking (“goes down the wrong pipe”). People at increased risk of aspiration include those with swallowing difficulties. Home A/C units do not use water to cool, so these home units do not aerosolize water and are not a risk for Legionella growth.
Officials say Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from person to person.
For more information please visit www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/legion.shtml which includes Frequently Asked Questions on Legionnaires’ disease.
