Two More Cases of Legionnaires’ Disease at RiverWalk Resort

An additional two cases of Legionnaires’ disease at RiverWalk Resort have been reported by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Bringing the total number of illnesses to at least seven.

A Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit may be coming to the area. Here’s what you need to know!

Two More Cases of Legionnaires’ Disease at RiverWalk Resort Says Department of Health and Human Services

In a recent update on Legionnaires’ disease at RiverWalk Resort in Lincoln, New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services indicates two additional illnesses associated with the exposure event.

Originally, there were five reported cases. The Department now indicates that there are seven. All seven people have confirmed Legionella bacterial infections and recently visited an area in downtown Lincoln in June and July.

As Legionnaires’ disease is so commonly underdiagnosed, there could be additional illnesses not yet connected to the situation. The Department continues to investigate any additional diagnoses that could be potentially linked to this specific area.

People visiting the area with symptoms consistent with Legionnaires’ disease should seek medical attention right away.

RiverWalk Resort Cooling Tower to Blame

During the initial investigation on August 12, 2024, reports of Legionnaires’ disease prompted an investigation. Five people diagnosed with the potentially deadly illness following visiting the area. In the weeks following, two more cases were linked.

Among others in the area, the cooling towers behind the RiverWalk Resort in downtown Lincoln, New Hampshire were inspected and sampled by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.

Samples from the resort’s cooling tower tested positive for Legionella bacteria, the pathogen associated with Legionnaires’ disease.

Cooling Towers Were Cleaned and Disinfected, Retested

The RiverWalk Resort performed cleaning and disinfection activities to remediate the problem.

Additional samples were obtained to confirm the effectiveness of the facility’s efforts.

These samples returned negative, indicating the disinfection was successful.

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Indicates Elevated Risk Has Passed

While the RiverWalk Resort continues to work with New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Environmental Services on water management plans to prevent additional contamination and bacterial re-growth, the Department indicates that elevated risk for this situation has passed.

“The negative test results received today [August 21, 2024] are good news and demonstrate the effectiveness of the cleaning and disinfection of the cooling tower,” said Dr. Benjamin Chan, New Hampshire State Epidemiologist. “Therefore, we do not believe there is currently elevated risk for Legionella infection from this cooling tower, and we will continue to monitor and work with the facility to ensure an appropriate management plan is in place to prevent future contamination or re-growth of the bacteria.”

Legionnaires’ Disease. What Is It and How is It Spread?

Legionnaires’ disease is one of the illnesses associated with infection with Legionella bacteria. The other, less serious and common, being Pontiac Fever.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that 1 in 20 people exposed to Legionella bacteria will become sick with Legionnaires’ disease.

Legionella bacteria are microscopic germs that live and grow in natural water environments. Think lakes, streams, and rivers.

In nature, unless aspirated water in near drowning cases, infection is rare.

Nearly all Legionnaires’ disease cases come from man-made water sources.

How Do You Become Sick?

Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious. Meaning, you cannot spread the illness from person to person.

People become infected when they inhale aerosolized water droplets containing the harmful Legionella bacteria. Those germs make their way into the lungs where they cause illness.

Common sources of Legionella bacteria include:

• Cooling towers (such as those used in large buildings’ air-cooling systems or industrial processes)
• Hot tubs
• Hot water tanks, and heaters
• Showerheads and sink faucets
• Large, complex plumbing systems
• Decorative fountains and water features
• Plumbing systems under construction (where dead legs may be present)

Those Exposed to Legionnaires’ Disease at RiverWalk Resort Likely Already have Illness

Previously exposed visitors exposed to Legionnaires’ disease at RiverWalk Resort have likely already become sick.

In most cases, people begin feeling sick between two and 14 days after exposure. In some cases, however, it may take longer for symptoms to appear.

Fortunately, not everyone who is exposed to Legionella will become sick. In fact, most normally healthy people will not become sick at all. There are, however, certain groups of people at higher risk of infection.

Those more likely to become sick or experience serious illness include:

• People with a weakened immune system
• Current and former smokers
• People with chronic lung conditions (such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or emphysema)
• Adults over 50 years of age

Legionnaires’ Disease Symptoms

Legionnaires’ disease symptoms are often confused with symptoms of other pneumonia-like illnesses. Many symptoms overlap for both conditions.

Common Legionnaires’ disease symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Shortness of breath

Other symptoms may include nausea, diarrhea, and/or confusion.

It’s Not Too Late to Report Your Illness

If you have become sick following a visit to the Lincoln, New Hampshire downtown area with symptoms consistent with Legionnaires’ disease, it is not too late to report your illness.

Seek medical attention to ensure appropriate diagnosis so that your illness can be treated with proper medications. Without specialized treatment, your illness will likely linger longer than necessary.

Notify your healthcare provider of your potential exposure so specific tests for Legionella infection can be performed.

If you have been significantly impacted by Legionnaires’ disease at RiverWalk Resort in the downtown Lincoln, New Hampshire area, you may have a legal case.

Sick with Legionnaires’ Disease at RiverWalk Resort?

Have you become significantly ill with Legionnaires’ disease at RiverWalk Resort in Lincoln, New Hampshire and wish to make a legal claim for financial compensation?

The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help!

The Lange Law Firm, PLLC specializes in Legionnaires’ disease cases and has helped countless families receive the justice they deserve.

Call (833) 330-3663 or send us an email for a free, no obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation and determine if you have a legal case.

Get the justice you deserve! Call today!

By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)