Five people in Lincoln, New Hampshire have developed Legionnaires’ disease after possible exposure to contaminated water droplets from a cooling tower located behind a hotel in the downtown area. The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria in the cooling tower and warned of a potential risk of exposure to the public within a half-mile radius. The hotel has completed remediation work on the cooling tower in partnership with health officials to ensure the safety of guests and the community.
Legionella bacteria, which can be found naturally in bodies of fresh water, poses a threat when it grows and spreads in building water systems like cooling towers. Most people contract Legionnaires’ disease by inhaling the bacteria in the form of water droplets or mist, and it does not spread from person to person. While many exposed individuals may not get sick, those at higher risk include older adults, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions. Symptoms of the disease can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, and can be fatal if left untreated.
State health officials advise anyone who visited the area near the contaminated cooling tower to monitor themselves for symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease. Those who develop symptoms within 14 days after exposure should seek medical attention for testing. The hotel is working to clean and disinfect the cooling system and implement long-term water management plans to prevent further cases of the disease.
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