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Legionnaires' Outbreak in Lincoln, NH: Five Exposed by Cooling Tower.
An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease has hit New Hampshire, with five cases traced to a single cooling tower emitting contaminated water vapor.
Published August 13, 2024 at 11:29am by Max Hauptman
New Hampshire Issues Advisory After Legionnaires' Outbreak; 5 People Sickened
by Max Hauptman
Five New Hampshire residents have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease, according to the state's health department.
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services issued an advisory on August 12, announcing that five people were infected with the disease after exposure to contaminated water droplets. The source of the outbreak was traced to a cooling tower behind the RiverWalk Resort in downtown Lincoln, NH.
"Anyone who has visited the area near the contaminated cooling tower should monitor themselves for symptoms," advised Dr. Benjamin Chan, New Hampshire State Epidemiologist.
Legionnaires' disease is caused by inhalation of water droplets contaminated with the Legionella bacteria, which can be found in showers, hot tubs, cooling towers, and decorative fountains. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, and can appear 2-14 days after exposure. While most people experience mild symptoms, the disease can be fatal, with a 10% mortality rate, according to the CDC.
Health officials caution that the cooling tower is still in operation, and there is a potential risk of exposure within a half-mile radius.
New Hampshire residents who have spent time in downtown Lincoln are advised to be vigilant for symptoms.
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