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A cluster of Legionnaires’ disease in Lincoln sickens at least five people in New Hampshire. State health officials warn residents and visitors to monitor for symptoms of this serious illness.
Here’s what we know.
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Health Services (DPHS) has identified at least five people who have fallen ill with Legionnaires’ disease.
Illnesses began in June and July after visiting the downtown area of Lincoln, New Hampshire.
According to DHHS, all five people sickened with Legionnaires’ disease in Lincoln were likely exposed to contaminated water droplets from a cooling tower behind the RiverWalk Resort.
The RiverWalk Resort is located in the downtown area of Lincoln, New Hampshire.
Following reports of illness in the area, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services conducted testing in the area to determine the outbreak source.
DHHS confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria (the germ responsible for Legionnaires’ disease) in a cooling tower at RiverWalk Resort.
Legionnaires’ disease is the illness associated with Legionella bacterial infections.
These microscopic germs typically live in natural water environments like lakes, streams, and rivers. They become a problem to human health when they find their way into human water systems.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 20 people exposed to Legionella bacteria will become sick.
Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from one person to another. People become infected when they inhale aerosolized water droplets containing Legionella bacteria.
In very rare instances has someone become sick from inhaling Legionella bacteria from breathing in (aspirating) contaminated water while drinking.
Laboratory results point to the RiverWalk Resort for this outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Lincoln downtown area. However, there are a variety of other sources Legionella bacteria has been known to spread through.
Common sources of Legionella bacteria include:
While RiverWalk Resort is partnering with DHHS to address the contamination, exposure risks will continue until the problem is resolved.
This is because they will still be operating the cooling tower during remediation activities.
DHHS indicates that people in the area, especially those who live/work/visit the half-mile area around the cooling tower location, may still be exposed.
Additional testing is expected next week to determine if those remediation activities were effective, or if more decontamination is necessary.
In response to the continued concern for Legionnaires’ Disease in Lincoln downtown area, DHHS is asking for people to monitor for symptoms.
“Anybody who has visited the area near the contaminated cooling tower should monitor themselves for symptoms,” said Dr. Benjamin Chan, New Hampshire State Epidemiologist. “People who develop fever or other symptoms of pneumonia within 14 days after spending time in this area should talk to their healthcare provider about testing for Legionella infection.”
Legionnaires’ disease is often confused with other pneumonia-like illnesses, as many symptoms overlap for both conditions.
Common Legionnaires’ disease symptoms include:
Other Symptoms may include:
Most people begin feeling sick between two and 14 days after exposure. However, it can take longer for symptoms to appear in some cases.
Not everyone who is exposed to Legionella bacteria will become sick. Most normally healthy individuals will not become infected. However, certain groups of people are at higher risk of infection if exposed.
As with most illnesses, those with a weakened immune system are at higher risk of becoming sick. As are current and even former smokers and those with chronic lung conditions. Conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or emphysema. Those over 50 years of age are also at greater risk of illness after exposure.
If you become sick, be sure to notify your healthcare provider of potential exposure risk. Most cases of Legionnaires’ disease go undiagnosed due to similarities between Legionella infections and other pneumonia-type illnesses.
In many cases, Legionnaires’ disease is even indistinguishable from pneumonia.
Even with the benefit of chest x-rays!
Without a proper diagnosis, the illness may last much longer than it would otherwise without specialized treatment.
If you have concerns about what you should do if you become sick with Legionnaires’ disease after visiting the area, there are a few things you can do to help yourself and the outbreak investigation.
If you begin experiencing Legionnaires’ disease symptoms, seek medical attention right away. In some cases, Legionella infections can become life-threatening and fatal. Notify your healthcare provider of the potential exposure risk. Request a diagnostic test if your healthcare provider does not suggest one.
Your local health department will likely be notified following your diagnosis.
While the source of the outbreak appears to be the RiverWalk Resort, the investigation is still ongoing. Investigators may ask you questions about where you have worked, stayed, or visited in the two weeks prior to becoming ill.
The earlier that you can make this list, the more complete and accurate it will be. Have it ready in case you are asked for it.
If you have become sick from visiting the downtown Lincoln, New Hampshire area, you may have questions. An experienced Legionnaires’ disease lawyer understands your situation and can assist you through the complicated legal process.
If you wish to pursue a legal claim for financial compensation, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help. Call (833) 330-3663 or send us an email for a free, no obligation consultation. A member of our compassionate team will go over the details of your case.
Call today to get the help and justice you deserve!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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