After visiting Lincoln, 5 people got diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease

Where health officials suggested that the individuals who were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease may have been exposed was misstated in a previous version of this article. The Department of Health and Human Services declared on Monday that five individuals had been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ illness subsequent to their visitation to Lincoln, New Hampshire. In June and July, they contracted Legionnaires’ illness, according to health officials.

Officials are warning locals and guests to keep an eye out for any symptoms, as they believe that all five individuals may have been exposed to tainted water droplets from a cooling tower behind the RiverWalk Resort. The individuals identified as belonging to the cluster went to different parts of downtown Lincoln; however, the agency told NBC10 Boston that there was not a one place they all went where they might have come into contact with the bacterium that causes the sickness.

In order to address the pollution, the resort is collaborating with the Department of Health and Human Services, according to officials. Next week, more cooling tower test results are anticipated. According to officials, exposure hazards for those within a half mile still exist while the cooling tower is still in operation. In a statement released on Monday, RiverWalk Resort stated that cleanup efforts at the cooling tower, which included a thorough sanitation, were finished on Friday morning, several hours after the agency was informed. Later in the week, more testing will be conducted.

Vice President Renee Blood stated in a statement, “We have been and will continue to partner with DHHS and DES to ensure the safety and protection of our guests and community.” She asked that anybody with any questions or concerns contact her. In a statement, Vice President Renee Blood shared the phone number 603-745-7500, the email address [email protected], and the contact information for New Hampshire health officials for anyone with questions or concerns.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that Legionella bacteria is the cause of Legionnaires’ disease, a dangerous form of pneumonia. Inhaled droplets of contaminated water, often from hot tubs, commercial air conditioners, and even drinking water, can transmit the Legionella bacteria.

The majority of infections are rare, although outbreaks do happen occasionally and are frequently brought on by contact with tainted shared water in large establishments like hotels, hospitals, and apartment buildings. Legionnaires’ disease symptoms, which might include fever and cough, usually surface two to fourteen days following contact to the bacteria.