5 have contracted Legionnaire's disease; Lincoln cooling tower suspected

Aug. 12—A Lincoln cooling tower may be to blame for five people developing Legionnaire's disease in June and July, and the public may still be at risk, state health officials said Monday.

Four people were hospitalized and all have since been discharged, Health and Human Services spokeswoman Maddie Miller said in a followup email.

All five have recovered from their illness, she said.

The five may have been exposed to contaminated water droplets from a cooling tower behind the RiverWalk Resort in downtown Lincoln, according to a statement from the state Division of Public Health Services.

"Most healthy people who are exposed to Legionella bacteria do not get sick," the statement said. "However, because the cooling tower is still in operation while remediation is ongoing, there may continue to be some risk of exposure to the public, especially for people within a half-mile of the cooling tower's location."

Tests by state and health environmental officials confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria. RiverWalk is working with the state health department to address the contamination, officials said. More test results are expected next week.

A message left with an executive at the RiverWalk Resort wasn't immediately returned.

Health officials said Legionnaire's disease is a bacterial pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria.

"Many people who are exposed to Legionella bacteria develop only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all," the statement said. "However, the bacteria can cause a more serious pneumonia called Legionnaire's disease, which can be fatal if left untreated."

Symptoms usually begin two to 14 days after exposure and can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

"Anybody who has visited the area near the contaminated cooling tower should monitor themselves for symptoms," said Dr. Benjamin Chan, New Hampshire's state epidemiologist. "People who develop fever or other symptoms of pneumonia within 14 days after spending time in this area should talk to their health care provider about testing for Legionella infection."

State health officials investigate every case, Miller said. The state receives reports of 40 to 50 people with Legionella infections every year, most not associated with an outbreak or cluster.

When a group of diagnoses do appear to be linked in some way, the Department of Health and Human Services "conducts a more in-depth investigation to identify common sources of exposure," Miller said.

"In the case of the cluster in Lincoln, DHHS initiated an investigation as soon as possible after receiving reports of the Legionnaire's disease diagnoses," Miller said.

RiverWalk's remediation plan includes contracted mechanical cleaning and disinfection of the entire cooling system, and long-term cleaning and water management plans, including testing, to ensure continued safe operation of the cooling tower, Miller said.

"Anyone who is visiting the specified area should assess their health risk," the statement said. "Those who are older, are current or former smokers, have weakened immune systems, or have certain medical conditions like chronic lung disease and diabetes are at higher risk for developing Legionnaire's disease."