Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak In Hampton: 4 Infected

HAMPTON, NH — Four people contracted Legionnaires' disease in Hampton, New Hampshire health officials announced Saturday. Those affected are being treated for the respiratory infection, which can be deadly. Health officials said additional cases are possible.

"These individuals likely acquired Legionnaires' disease at the end of July or early August in the area of Ashworth Avenue, between Island Path and H Street," the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement.

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.

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