Concord, New Hampshire —
New Hampshire health officials are urging people to be aware of potential risks before traveling to areas of downtown Lincoln following an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease.
The Department of Health and Human Services said five people fell ill in June and July and may have been exposed to contaminated water droplets from cooling towers.
>> NH DHHS information on waterborne diseases | CDC information on Legionella
The cooling tower behind Riverwalk Resort in downtown Lincoln remains operational while repairs are being made, the Department of Health and Human Services said in an advisory released Monday.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria.
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Because the cooling towers are still operational, residents may still be at risk of exposure, especially those within a half-mile radius of the towers, HHS officials said.
“So we want the public to be aware that this contaminated area is out there, but it still could be a danger to the public and people, particularly those with high-risk health conditions, should be aware and somewhat evaluate their health risks before going to this small area of Lincoln,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chang. “Again, it’s not all of Lincoln. The greatest risk of exposure to Legionella is about a half-mile radius around this cooling tower.”
HHS said anyone visiting the Main Street District should assess their health risks: While very few people will become ill from exposure to Legionnaires’ bacteria, older adults, current or former smokers, people with weakened immune systems and those with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or chronic lung disease, are at higher risk.
Symptoms usually appear two to 14 days after infection and include fever, cough and shortness of breath, and can be fatal if left untreated.
