4 Legionnaires' Disease Cases Reported In Camden County

PENNSAUKEN, NJ — Camden County officials say they are working with the state department of health to investigate a cluster of four reported cases of Legionnaire's disease.

As of Friday, Dec. 16 the county said four residents in Pennsauken had reported cases of the disease, which is caused by bacteria called Legionella.

County Health Officer Dr. Paschal Nwako said the county is working closely with the state to identify where these people were exposed, and have "taken all proper precautions" to alert area healthcare providers.

“Although the cases occurred among residents of Pennsauken, the source of Legionella exposure could have been outside of this area," he said. "Any identified sources that are confirmed to have and be able to spread the bacteria will be remediated to prevent further transmission. These types of investigations are complex but we’re doing everything to identify the source of this cluster and keep everyone in Camden County safe and healthy.”

Nwako said the overall risk of Legionnaires' disease among residents or visitors to Pennsauken are low, and added most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get the disease.

"However, people over the age of 50, especially those who smoke cigarettes, or people who have certain medical conditions, including weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease or other chronic health conditions, are at increased risk for Legionnaires’ disease," Nwako said.

The disease is contracted when someone breathes in small droplets of water containing Legionella bacteria, and is not spread from person to person, the county health department said:

"This water can come from cooling towers, like 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, which happens when water accidently goes into the lungs while drinking. People at increased risk of aspiration include those with swallowing difficulties. Home air conditioning units do not use water to cool, so these home units do not aerosolize water and are not a risk for Legionella growth."

Symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and headache. The health department recommends residents or those who have visited or worked in Pennsauken visit their healthcare provider if similar symptoms develop.