TRENTON, New Jersey – The New Jersey Department of Health is investigating a possible cluster of Legionnaires’ disease affecting residents of Passaic and Bergen counties.
So far, they have identified nine cases in “neighboring counties in Passaic County, along with one additional case in a neighboring town in Bergen County.”
The cases began to occur on May 27.
It’s the same base area that experienced an increase in cases last winter.
“Early diagnosis is key to effective treatment of Legionnaires’ disease,” said Dr. Kaitlan Baston, acting New Jersey health commissioner. “While the risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease if you live in or have recently visited Passaic or Bergen counties remains low, individuals who develop pneumonia-like/respiratory symptoms should see their healthcare provider immediately to be evaluated.”
People over the age of 50 are most vulnerable, as are people who smoke or have lung disease.
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by the legionella bacteria.
Symptoms are similar to COVID-19 and can include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle aches, and headache.
Legionnaires’ disease is not transmissible from one person to another. It is transmitted through tiny water droplets that contain the bacteria.
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