Hampton Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak Spreads

HAMPTON, NH — Another individual has been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease in connection with an outbreak in Hampton, New Hampshire health officials said Monday. Five people have been infected so far. Legionnaires' disease is a potentially deadly respiratory infection.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services announced the outbreak Saturday and said additional cases are possible. The infected individuals were likely infected in the Ashworth Avenue area between H Street and Island Path at the end of July or early August. The exact cause of the outbreak is under investigation.

Legionnaires' disease can be spread to humans who are exposed to contaminated showers, hot tubs, faucets, cooling towers, misters, and decorative fountains, officials said.

The disease was first discovered in 1976 after an outbreak at a Pennsylvania convention of the American Legion — hence its name.

There were about 6,100 confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease in the U.S. last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

NH health officials provided information on the outbreak in an update Monday:

"I visited Hampton, NH. What do I do?

If your visit was longer than 14 days ago, you are beyond the usual time it takes to develop disease. If your visit was within 14 days, your risk of disease is very low, but if you become ill, present your travel history and concerns to your primary care clinician and s/he can test. If your visit was within 14 days, and you are not ill, there is no evidence that you should be tested or take antibiotics.

I live in Hampton, NH. What do I do?

Although risk is low, DPHS recommends that people who are increased risk for severe disease from Legionella may choose to avoid the area of Ashworth Avenue between Island Path and H Street in Hampton, New Hampshire. People who are at increased risk include those who are older than 50, who have chronic respiratory disease, or who have a weakened immune system.

I have a trip planned to Hampton, NH. Should I cancel?

While the investigation is underway, in an abundance of caution, DPHS recommends that people who are increased risk for severe disease from Legionella may choose to avoid the area of Ashworth Avenue between Island Path and H Street in Hampton, New Hampshire. People who are at increased risk include those who are older than 50, who have chronic respiratory disease, or who have a weakened immune system."

Hampton Legionnaires' Outbreak Update August 2018

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