In New Hampshire, five individuals have come down with a serious bacterial infection after being exposed to droplets from a contaminated cooling tower.
Health officials are advising older adults and those with weakened immune systems to carefully evaluate their health risks before coming within a half-mile of the cooling tower located behind the RiverWalk Resort. Residents in the vicinity should stay vigilant about any symptoms.
“Anyone who has spent time near the cooling tower should watch for symptoms,” said Benjamin Chan, the state’s epidemiologist. “If you develop a fever or pneumonia-like symptoms within 14 days, consult your healthcare provider for a Legionella test.”
Legionella bacteria are often found in water systems like cooling towers, fountains, and household fixtures such as showerheads and hot tubs. While these bacteria are naturally occurring in freshwater, they can pose a risk in warm, stagnant water that allows for their growth.
The bacteria spread primarily through tiny water droplets that can be inhaled, but most healthy individuals won’t experience illness. For those who do, there are two main types of lung disease:
- Pontiac fever—a mild respiratory infection that usually resolves on its own.
- Legionnaires’ disease—a severe pneumonia that can be life-threatening without treatment.
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has cautioned that untreated legionnaires’ disease can be fatal, with the CDC estimating a 10% mortality rate for those infected.
Symptoms typically appear 2 to 14 days after exposure and can include cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches, shortness of breath, and sometimes nausea or diarrhea.
People over 50, smokers, and those with health conditions like chronic lung disease or diabetes face a higher risk of severe illness. The RiverWalk Resort is working with health officials to tackle the contamination issue.